title: Analysis of BZLF1 mRNA detection in saliva as a marker for active replication of Epstein-Barr virus.
abstract: Monitoring replicative Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection still remains a challenge in modern laboratory routine. The immediate-early protein BZLF1 mediates the switch between latent and replicate forms of EBV infection. The aim of this study was to analyze the feasibility of BZLF1 mRNA detection in saliva as a marker for active replication of the virus. Various specimens (saliva, plasma, PBMC) from 17 patients with EBV-induced infectious mononucleosis (IM) and 4 control patients were examined for expression of viral BZLF1 mRNA by means of real-time PCR. BZLF1 expression was correlated to the amount of viral DNA in either compartment. Digestion of plasma and saliva samples with DNase I allowed distinguishing between encapsidated and naked viral DNA. BZLF1 transcripts were found in all different types of specimens in varying frequencies. BZLF1 expression in saliva, PBMC, and plasma correlated with viral load in each compartment. Interestingly, those patients with detectable BZLF1 expression in saliva had a more severe course of infection with longer duration of hospitalization. In conclusion, this study demonstrates the feasibility of BZLF1 mRNA detection in saliva specimens during replicative EBV infection. Its significance for the diagnosis of reactivated EBV infection, particularly under immunosuppression, has to be elucidated in further studies.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine I, University of Luebeck School of Medicine, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538 Luebeck, Germany.
authors.forename: Ursula
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Fagin
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine I, University of Luebeck School of Medicine, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538 Luebeck, Germany.
authors.forename: Linda
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Nerbas
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine I, University of Luebeck School of Medicine, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538 Luebeck, Germany.
authors.forename: Bastian
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Vogl
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine I, University of Luebeck School of Medicine, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538 Luebeck, Germany. Electronic address: wolfram.jabs@vivantes.de.
authors.forename: Wolfram J
authors.initials: WJ
authors.lastname: Jabs
mesh_terms: D015415:Biomarkers / Q000032:analysis*; D004854:Herpesvirus 4, Human / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007244:Infectious Mononucleosis / Q000175:diagnosis*; D007963:Leukocytes, Mononuclear / Q000821:virology; D010949:Plasma / Q000821:virology; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000032:analysis* / Q000235:genetics; D060888:Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000379:methods; D012463:Saliva / Q000821:virology*; D015534:Trans-Activators / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D014779:Virus Replication
chemical_list: C063676:BZLF1 protein, Herpesvirus 4, Human; D015415:Biomarkers; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D015534:Trans-Activators
keywords: BZLF1; EBV; Infectious mononucleosis; Saliva; Viral load