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Biomedical subjects

G Henle

Publications and source records attributed to G Henle.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

Infectious mononucleosis in patients aged 40 to 72 years: report of 27 cases, including 3 without heterophil-antibody responses.

Epstein-Barr-virus (EBV)-induced infectious mononucleosis usually occurs in young adults between the ages of 15 and 30. When it occurs in older individuals, it frequently presents diagnostic problems. This report describes data from 27 such patients aged 40 to 72, all of whom had definitive evidence of a current EBV primary infection. Protracted fever, jaundice, pleural effusion, anemia, or the Guillain-Barré syndrome were dominant clinical findings among these patients. Fourteen patients were hospitalized and numerous diagnostic procedures were performed, including bone-marrow aspirations (8 patients), abdominal CAT scan procedures (4 patients), and liver (2 patients) or lymph-node biopsies (1 patient). Overall, the laboratory data in these patients were similar to those seen in young adults, with the exception of more marked hepatic dysfunction and more prominent antibody responses to the restricted (R) component of the early antigen complex. Particularly difficult were the diagnostic problems encountered in three patients in this study (3/27) who failed to develop heterophil antibodies.

Adult↗

Application of Epstein-Barr virus serology to the diagnosis and staging of North American patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

From 1978 to 1981, 151 patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) were enrolled in a prospective, collaborative study of North American patients, most of them white. Thirty-seven had World Health Organization (WHO) type 1 tumors, and 114 had WHO types 2 and 3 tumors. The anti-Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) profile of elevated antibody titers directed against viral capsid antigen and early antigen was seen in 85% of the patients with WHO types 2 and 3 tumors but in only 16% of the patients with WHO type 1 tumors. Geometric mean titers tended to be higher in higher stages of the disease in several staging systems. Low antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity at diagnosis appears to reflect a poorer prognosis, and the determination of antibody titers by this assay may prove to be useful for identifying persons in whom recurrent disease is likely to develop after conventional therapy. Anti-EBV titers can aid in diagnosis and treatment planning in patients with NPC, particularly those with occult primary NPC.

Adolescent↗

Epstein-Barr virus-specific leukocyte migration inhibition reaction with tumor biopsy extracts: correlation with the presence of viral DNA.

The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-specific leukocyte migration inhibition (LMI) reaction was used to detect EBV antigens in human tumor biopsies in parallel with nuclei acid hybridization for EBV DNA. None of six EBV DNA-negative tumors gave any significant LMI reaction. Fourteen of 17 EBV DNA-positive tumors gave a significant difference between the migration of leukocytes from EBV-seropositive versus -seronegative donors. One tumor gave a borderline reaction. The two-LMI-negatives in this group had only a marginal EBV DNA content. It is suggested that the EBV-specific LMI test may be useful for detecting EBV genomes in tissue and tumor extracts.

Animals↗

Serum anti-EBV IgA is inversely related to tumor infiltration by surface IgA positive lymphocytes in nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

The mean number of tumor-infiltrating lymphoid cells with surface IgA was moderately higher in primary nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) than in their neck gland metastases or in other head and neck tumors. Within the group of primary NPC, patients with large numbers of IgA positive infiltrating cells had a significantly lower mean IgA antibody titer to Epstein-Barr viral capsid antigen. It is unlikely therefore that the unique, frequent elevation of this antibody titer in NPC is due to stimulation of infiltrating IgA positive lymphoid cells among the virus-containing epithelial tumor cells.

Antibodies, Viral↗

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma in American Children: Epstein-Barr virus-specific antibody titers and prognosis.

Seven American juvenile patients with undifferentiated or nonkeratinizing nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) were examined serially for Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-specific antibody spectra and titers in sera. At diagnosis, all showed antibody patterns characteristic of NPC: i.e., high titers of IgG antibodies to viral capsid antigen (VCA) and to the diffuse (D) component of the early antigen complex. Six patients had IgA antibodies to VCA, and four to the D component. In the patients who responded to therapy with complete and maintained remissions, the IgG antibodies to D and the IgA antibodies to VCA and D decreased to undetectable levels within 12 to 30 months. By contrast, of the four patients who responded only transiently to therapy, three showed substantial increases and one continuously high titers of IgG anti-D and IgA anti-VCA. The increases in antibody titers preceded clinical recognition of recurrent tumors by 1 to 6 months. Three of these patients have died and the fourth is alive with disease. These data indicate that American juvenile NPC does not differ from the adult disease observed anywhere in the World. They reaffirm the potential usefulness of EBV-specific serology in the diagnosis and prognosis of NPC and the monitoring of patients following therapy.

Adolescent↗

Epstein-Barr virus in nasopharyngeal and salivary gland carcinomas of Greenland Eskimoes.

Biopsy specimens from nasopharyngeal carcinomas (NPC) or salivary-gland carcinomas (SGC) in Greenland Eskimoes were examined for the presence of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) DNA and sera from the patients were tested for EBV-specific antibody titres. Six out of 7 NPCs and one from an undifferentiated SGG were positive for EBV DNA. The EBV-specific antibody spectra and titres of the patients with NPC or undifferentiated SGG conformed to the results of earlier studies in other high-incidence areas.

Adult↗

Spurious rapid infections mononucleosis test results in non-infectious mononucleosis sera. The role of high-titer horse agglutinins.

The present report-describes serologic data from five individuals without infectious mononucleosis (IM) who had very high levels of horse red blood cell agglutinins (1:896-1:7168) that were unusual in that they were minimally absorbed by either guinea pig kidney or beef red blood cell suspensions. Agglutination of sheep red blood cells was negative, and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-specific serodiagnostic tests revealed evidence for long past primary infections. In one of the five cases, serologic findings suggested a more than usually active EBV carrier state, as evident from persistently high anti-VCA (IgG) levels of 1:1280 and the continual presence of anti-R at 1:40. Sera from all cases predictably interfered with several commercially available IM-specific rapid slide agglutination tests. The incidence of such findings was estimated to be no more than one per one thousand non-IM cases. In three patients adequately studied, the poorly absorbable horse agglutinins persisted in serum samples over periods of five to nine years. The significance of these findings is discussed.

Adult↗

Detection of antibodies to Epstein-Barr virus capsid antigen by immune adherence hemagglutination.

The immune adherence hemagglutination assay was found to be as sensitive and specific as the indirect immunofluorescence technique for titration of antibodies to Epstein-Barr virus capsid antigen. Satisfactory virus capsid antigen-specific and negative control antigens for the immune adherence hemagglutination assay were prepared from cell extracts of the Epstein-Barr virus producer P3HR-1 and the Epstein-Barr virus genome-negative BJAB lymphoblastoid cell lines, respectively. As the immune adherence hemagglutination assay can be used to titrate antibodies to both the heterophil antigen of the Paul-Bunnell type and to virus capsid antigen, it offers a promising alternative to the immunofluorescence methods in the serodiagnosis of Epstein-Barr virus infections which can be performed by most diagnostic laboratories.

Antibodies, Viral↗

Association of Epstein-Barr virus with nasopharyngeal carcinoma in Alaskan native patients: serum antibodies and tissue EBNA and DNA.

Biopsy specimens from Alaskan Native patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and from other patients seen on the otolaryngology service were tested for Epstein-Barr virus-specific DNA and nuclear antigen (EBNA). Serum samples from both groups were tested for various EBV-related antibodies. EBV DNA and EBNA results were in agreement in 29 of 31 tissue specimens tested by the two methods. Ten of 11 biopsies containing NPC cells were positive for EBV DNA. Two NPC patients had biopsies that showed only atypical epithelium but were also positive for EBV DNA or EBNA. The other tissue specimens were negative except for biopsies from two patients: one with a parotid gland lymphoepithelial lesion; another with undifferentiated carcinoma of salivary gland origin.

Alaska↗

Epstein-Barr-virus-carrying lymphoma in a patient with ataxia-telangiectasia.

An undifferentiated lymphocytic lymphoma of mesenteric lymph nodes occurred in a young boy with ataxia-telangiectasia. Two independent tests, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-cRNA/DNA hybridisation and EBV DNA/DNA reassociation kinetic analysis, showed 53 and 68 EBV genome equivalents per cell respectively, which was compatible with an EBV-genome-carrying tumour. Whether this was a polyclonal lymphoproliferation or a monoclonal tumour could not be determined owing to lack of suitable material. The presence of EBV genomes should be sought in lymphomas arising in ataxia-telangiectasia and other immunodeficiencies.

Abdominal Neoplasms↗

Elevated levels of antibodies to Epstein-Barr virus antigens in sera and synovial fluids of patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

The frequencies and levels of antibodies to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-specific antigens were determined in paired sera and synovial fluids from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and in sera from patients with other connective tissue diseases; i.e., systemic lupus erythematosus, progressive systemic sclerosis, and osteoarthritis (OA). The specimens were also tested for the presence of antibodies to RA-associated nuclear antigen. Compared to healthy controls, the patients' sera showed increased frequencies of elevated antibody titers (>/=320) to Epstein-Barr viral capsid antigen, a correspondingly enhanced (twofold to threefold) geometric mean titer, and an increased frequency of antibodies at elevated titers (>/=10), usually to the restricted component and rarely the diffuse component of the early antigen complex. Levels of antibody to the EBV-associated nuclear antigen were within the normal range. Enhancement of antibody titers was more pronounced in seropositive RA patients (i.e., positive for rheumatoid factor) than in those who were not. Enhancement was also found in systemic lupus erythematosus and progressive systemic sclerosis. Antibody to RA-associated nuclear antigen was detected at an increased frequency only in the group of seropositive RA patients (90%), as compared to 8-15% in the other connective tissue diseases and 6-8% in healthy controls. The antibody titers in the synovial fluids equaled or were at most twofold higher or lower than those in the sera. In addition, levels of EBV-specific antibodies were studied serially over a period of 6-10 mo in patients with RA and OA. Parameters of disease activity were determined and compared to antibody levels. EBV-specific antibodies in sera of OA patients remained constant and within normal limits throughout the study. Although EBV-specific antibodies were often elevated in RA patients, they also remained constant, with the exception of three patients, who showed gradual increases in one of the four antibodies, which did not correlate with disease activity.

Adolescent↗

Cellular immune defects to Epstein-Barr virus-determined antigens in young males.

Three males with the X-linked lymphoproliferative syndrome (XLP) with hypo- or agammaglobulinemia following Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection and two males with the chronic mononucleosis syndrome were investigated for immune responses to EBV-determined antigens. Males with XLP showed profound cellular immune defects. Markedly diminished responses of natural killer cell and interferon-activated killer cell activities and impaired leukocyte migration inhibition responses to phytohemagglutinin were determined in patients with XLP. The two patients with chronic mononucleosis showed less severe defects. All patients showed partial or complete impairment of their EBV-specific immune responses as measured by leukocyte migration inhibition. EBV-specific antibodies were markedly diminished against EBV-associated nuclear antigen, early antigen, and viral capsid antigen in males with XLP. In contrast, patients with chronic mononucleosis had elevated antibodies to most EBV-specific antigens. Individuals with life-threatening EBV-induced lymphoproliferative disorders may exhibit multiple defective immune mechanisms against the virus.

Adolescent↗

Epstein-Barr virus-specific serology in immunologically compromised individuals.

Since B-lymphocytes are targets and a continuing habitat of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and the cell-mediated immune system becomes secondarily involved, one may anticipate that primary and persistent EBV infections in immunologically compromised individuals take unusual courses. Depending on the immunological defect, the clinical, hematological, and serological responses to primary EBV infections may be more or less pronounced than in immunologically competent patients. Infectious mononucleosis has per se an immunosuppressive effect which may enhance a preexisting immune defect. The persistent latent viral carrier state which regularly ensues after the primary EBV infection may become decontrolled by immunosuppressive diseases or therapy, leading rarely to illnesses referable to the virus but often to increases in the titers of antibodies to viral capsid and early antigens and/or declines in the antibody titer to EBV-associated nuclear antigen. Absence or dysfunction of different leukocyte subpopulations may account for the differential changes in antibody patterns.

Animals↗

Cell-mediated immune reactions in three patients with malignant lymphoproliferative diseases in remission and abnormally high Epstein-Barr virus antibody titers.

Two patients with Hodgkin's disease in remission and one chronic lymphatic leukemia patient with extraordinarily high anti-Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) (viral capsid antigen) antibody titers (greater than 10,000) were selected to study a spectrum of cell-mediated immune responses, including natural killer, interferon-boosted killer, antibody-dependent lymphocytotoxicity, and T-cell-mediated reactions. The purpose was to compare these reactions in patients with immunosuppression and a high EBV load who can hold their EBV-carrying cells under control with the corresponding reactions in patients with EBV-carrying lymphoproliferative disease. In contrast to the latter group, the three patients of the present study showed a less profound and less general suppression of the immune responses. Multiple effector mechanisms probably safeguard against the proliferation of EBV-transformed B-cells. Clinically manifest EBV-carrying lymphoproliferative disease occurs only in very severe immunodeficiencies effecting multiple effectors.

Adolescent↗

The reliability of IgA antibody to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) capsid antigen as a test for the diagnosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).

Since patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma were first reported to have elevated levels of IgA antibody to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in their sera, workers in a number of countries have studied the possibility that this assay could be used in the diagnosis and monitoring of patients with this disease. In the United States, a collaborative project involving seven centers has been established to investigate the potential value of IgA antibody to EBV viral capsid antigen (VCA) as a clinical tool. In this report, we will summarize the results obtained from three studies: a comparison of EBV serology in three laboratories; a retrospective study of 37 nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients and controls, and a prospective study of 126 NPC patients and 683 controls, including 149 patients with other malignancies involving the head and neck. The study of testing comparability in three laboratories demonstrated the feasibility of using this assay in a number of laboratories. The retrospective study confirmed the difference in IgA antibody titers between NPC patients and matched controls. The prospective study showed a relationship between IgA antibody titers and histopathology but not disease stage. IgA antibody titers were elevated more frequently in patients with nonkeratinizing or poorly differentiated types of NPC than for the well-differentiated squamous cell carcinomas. While IgA antibodies to EBV VCA appear to be of value in the early detection and diagnosis of NPC, it is possible that additional serologic tests for immunity to EBV, such as IgG antibody to VCA or early antigen (EA), will improve even further the clinical value of EBV serology in the management of NPC.

Antibodies, Viral↗

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma in Alaskan Eskimos Indians, and Aleuts: a review of cases and study of Epstein-Barr virus, HLA, and environmental risk factors.

The records of thirty-one patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) diagnosed from 1966 through 1976 among the Alaskan native population (Eskimo, Aleut, Indian) were reviewed. There were 25 males and six females, which results in relatively high incidence rates per 100,000 of 13.5 for males and 3.7 for females. Clinical and pathologic features were similar to those found among southern Chinese NPC patients. Five-year survival rate was 48%. Antibodies to Epstein-Barr virus were higher in NPC patients than in patients with other tumors or matched controls. On histocompatibility testing Sin-2 was not detected, nor was there significantly increased frequency of A2. Instead, BW40 and a second locus blank occurred more often among NPC patients than among other groups. In response to a questionnaire, NPC patients more often reported use of salt fish in the childhood diet, smoking of cigarettes, and exposure to noxious inhalants than did controls, but the differences were not statistically significant.

Adult↗