Objective: To investigate the feasibility and reliability of detection of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) latent membrane protein-1 (LMP1) gene by nasopharyngeal swab in the diagnosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). To investigate the distribution of 30 bp deletion variant of LMP-1 gene in the local population.
Method: Nasopharyngeal cells were collected by nasopharyngeal swab, and then DNA was extracted, which was subsequently confirmed by amplification of sequence of beta-thalassemia gene by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). And sequence of LMP1 was amplified with specific primer to verify the significance of LMP1 in the diagnosis of NPC.
Result: DNA was obtained from 96.4% nasopharyngeal swab samples, LMP1 was detected in 33 of 36 samples, while 2 of 45 samples from normal control, with sensitivity 91.7%, and specialty 95.6%. 30 bp deletion of LMP1 gene was found in 80.6% of NPC samples, and wild type 11.1%.
Conclusion: Our study suggests that nasopharyngeal swab could be effective method for gene-detection. As a parameter in diagnosis of NPC, LMP1 gene is maybe superior to EBVCA-IgA. 30 bp deletion of LMP1 oncogene is widespread in NPC patients.