Detection of Epstein–Barr Virus DNA in Children withPlasmodium falciparumMalaria Infection in JabelAulia - 2015

Abstract

P. falciparum malaria is known to interfere with biology and the specific immunity against EBV and can induce virus reactivation. This study was carried out to detect Epstein–Barr virus DNA in plasma specimens of children with and without Plasmodium falciparum malaria who attended Al-jabel Military Medical Hospital and Jabel Aulia Hospital during the period September to December 2015. A total of 80 blood specimens were collected and DNA was extracted from plasma of the patients. Epstein-Barr virus DNA was detected using conventional Polymerase Chain Reaction. The specimens included 50 plasma of children with P. falciparum malaria infection. Their mean age 7± 4 years among which 31(62%) were males and 19 (38%) were females. Samples included also 30 plasma specimens of children with age matched the malaria patients; mean age 7.6 ± 4 years among which 16 were males and 14 were females. Mean of hemoglobin (Hb) of children with P. falciparum malaria infection was 9.8 ±2.4 g/dl and for the children without P. falciparum malaria infection was 10.4 ±2 g/dl. EBV DNA was detected in 2 specimens of the control group (without P. falciparum malaria, 6.7%), while EBV DNA was not detected among the children with P. falciparum malaria infection (0.0%). The two EBV DNA positive individuals were in the younger age group (1-5 years of age). Analysis showed no relation between EBV infection and patient’s age and gender. In addition, there was also no relation between EBV infection, parasitemia, and Hb levels (p. values > 0.2). These results may indicate absence or low EBV infection among P. falciparum malaria infected children.