Detection of Epstein-Barr virus in autoimmune and Thalassemia patients using new Immunoblot assay

Abstract

A new immunoblot assay, composed of five Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-encoded recombinant
proteins virus capsid antigen [VCA] gp125, p19, p22, early antigen [EA], and EBNA-1 IgG, was
used to manifest the EBV infection and look at the antibody pattern to EBV proteins in the serum
of both autoimmune disorders and Thalassemia patients and compare the observations with those
in normal healthy controls. Serum samples from 35 rheumatoid arthritis patients, 20 SLE, 20
autoimmune hypothyroid diseases, 35 Thalassemia patients and 20 healthy controls were tested
for EBV IgG antibodies by an immunoblot assay (Euroline). The results showed that the high
percentage recorded was 50% in acute infection. Followed by 30% at late infection, while late
phase with loss EBNA-1 and reactivated infection were 10% compared to the normal healthy
controls. Our study showed an increased EBV activation among the autoimmune patient groups
compared to the normal healthy controls. Further studies are required to delineate the association
between the etiology of autoimmune disorders and EBV.