Relationship between human cytomegalovirus infection and glioma

Objective To study the relationship between human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection and glioma. Methods HCMV DNA in glioma samples (n=35) and control samples (n=17) was detected by nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The expression of HCMV pp65 protein was detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Results HCMV DNA was positive in 51.4% (18/35) of glioma samples and was detectable in normal brain samples (P<0.05). The positive rate of HCMV pp65 antigen was 60% (21/35) in glioma samples and 0 in the normal brain controls (P<0.05). Conclusion Based on the results of nested PCR and IHC there was significant difference in HCMV infection between glioma and normal brain tissue. HCMV infection may play a role in the pathagenesis and progression of glioma. Key words: Human cytomegalovirus; Glioma; Nested polymerase chain reaction; Immunohistochemistry