Background: The aim of the study was to assessment serologic status of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infections in patients qualificated for lung transplantation in the first half of 2021.
Methods: The study included 72 patients qualified for lung transplantation from January to June 2021. The youngest patient was aged 14 years and the oldest was aged 65 years. The study group consisted of 36 women and 36 men. In the serum of patients, a multi-parameter, comprehensive diagnosis of EBV infections was performed using the IIFT BIOCHIP EBV sequence tests. This test is based on a combination of several substrates, enabling the simultaneous evaluation of antibodies against capsid antigens (anti-CA antibodies), both in the IgG and IgM class, early antigens (anti-EA), nuclear antigens and the assessment of the avidity of anti-CA antibodies. The analysis of all diagnostically significant antibodies specific for EBV infections, including the avidity of anti-CA antibodies, increases the diagnostic accuracy in differentiating active and past infection with EBV.
Results: In the studied group it was shown that 58 had past EBV infection (80.6%). Twelve patients (16.6%) have anti-EA antibodies, which indicate that the virus is reactivated. Only 2 patients (2.8%) had no antibodies to EBV.
Conclusions: Comprehensive assessment of antibodies against various EBV antigens in patients qualified for lung transplantation is important in the management and further diagnosis of this infection, especially after transplantation, due to the risk of developing post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease.
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