Criteria for the definition of Epstein-Barr virus association in Hodgkin's disease.

There is a clear association between the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and Hogkin's disease (HD). EBV is not, however, detectable within the affected tissues of all cases. The proportion of posiotive cases varies from 15-79% depending on the assay used to detect EBV. The techniques utilised vary not only in sensitivity but in their ability to detect viral DNA, RNA, or protein in their ability to demonstrate the cellular localisation of the virus. Thus, the biological significance of a positive result will vary depending on the method of analysis