Analysis of the presence of Epstein-Barr virus in Hodgkin's lymphoma in Iranian children by EBER in situ hybridization

Introduction: Epstein-Barr virus is a tumorigenic herpes virus which belongs to DNA viruses, infects, and persists in B-lymphocytes of most human beings. This virus is associated with some cases of Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The aim of the present study was to investigate the presence of Epstein-Barr virus in Hodgkin’s lymphoma in children. Materials & Methods: In this study, 16 formalin-fixed paraffin embedded blocks of Hodgkin’s lymphoma tissue samples were collected from the archives of the Pathology Department of Fasa University of Medical Sciences. The presence of RNA transcripts encoded by the virus was examined with the EBERs in situ hybridization method. Results: The 16 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded samples belonged to patients with Hodgkin’s lymphoma with the mean age of 8 years (range: 4 to 12 years). They were investigated using the EBERs in situ hybridization method. In 12 specimens (75%), including 9 male and 3 female samples, the EpsteinBarr virus was present in different subtypes of Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Eighty percent of mixed cellularity, 67% of nodular sclerosis and 100% of lymphocyte predominance subtypes proved positive. The presence of the Epstein-Barr virus in the age groups of 4-7 and 8-12 years was 71.5% and 77.8%, respectively. Conclusion: The results of the present study indicate a strong relationship between the Epstein-Barr virus and Hodgkin’s lymphoma in children. The relationship between the Epstein-Barr virus and Hodgkin’s lymphoma in Iranian children follows a pattern similar to that of other developing countries.