Seroprevalence of Epstein- Barr Virus among Lymphoid Leukemia Patients in Khartoum State

Abstract

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) prevails among more than 90% of the adult population worldwide. The objective of this study was to determine seroprevalence of EBV among lymphoid leukemia patients in Khartoum State. A total of 86 patients were selected from Radiation and Isotope Center of Khartoum (RICK) in the period between February and September 2016. Socioeconomic data such as age, gender, type of leukemia and disease stage were collected from patients by questionnaire. Blood specimen was collected from each patient in Ethylenediaminetetra-Acetic Acid (EDTA) container. Plasma was obtained by centrifugation of the blood at 3000 rpm for 5minutes. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect Epstein- Barr virus EBV IgG antibody. The results revealed that the prevalence of EBV among lymphoid leukemia patients was 81 (94.2%). 56 (65.1%) in males and 25 (29.1%) in females. High prevalence was reported among age group (61-80) 14 (100%). EBV IgG prevalence 60 (93.7%) was detected among patients with acute lymphoid leukemia (ALL) and 21 (95.4%) in chronic lymphoid leukemia patients (CLL). According to disease stage the prevalence of EBV IgG among ALL patients in different stages was follows; 36 (97.2%) in Pre B cell stage, 19 (86.3%) in B cell stage and 6 (100%) in T cell stage while the prevalence of EBV IgG among CLL patients was showed as follows; 5 (100%) in stage I, 8 (88.8%) in stage II and 8 (100%) in stage III. It is concluded that there is high prevalence of EBV among lymphoid leukemia patients. Further studies using large number of specimens and advanced technique were recommended to validate this study.