Association Between Epstein-Barr Virus Infection and B-Cell Lymphoproliferative Diseases: A Case-Control Study

Background: Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) is a member of the Herpesviridae family that has infected more than 90% of the worlds’ population. EBV is now considered etiologically associated with the endemic Burkitt's lymphoma, Hodgkin disease, and nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Recent findings show the association between EBV infection and other malignancies. Objectives: The current study aimed to evaluate the relationship between EBV infection and B-cell lymphoproliferative disorders, including lymphoma and multiple myeloma. Patients and Methods: In the current case-control study, a total of 43 patients with lymphoma and multiple myeloma and 46 age/sexmatched healthy people were included. After taking written consent, serum samples were taken from all subjects. The level of IgG against viral capsid antigen was measured using ELISA. Antibody titers > 5 U/mL was considered as positive. Data were analyzed using Stata 11 software. Results: Of the 89 subjects, 53 were male and 36 females, aged 14 to 82 years. There was no significant difference between EBV seroprevalence in the patients with lymphoma and multiple myeloma, and the healthy subjects. Conclusions: The results of the current study indicated no relationship between latent EBV infection and lymphoma or multiple myeloma. However, further studies with larger sample sizes are required.