EPSTEIN-BARR-VIRUS DNA IN THE UTERINE CERVIX OF TEENAGE GIRLS

Citation
A. Anderssonellstrom et al., EPSTEIN-BARR-VIRUS DNA IN THE UTERINE CERVIX OF TEENAGE GIRLS, Acta obstetricia et gynecologica Scandinavica, 76(8), 1997, pp. 779-783
Citations number
20
Categorie Soggetti
Obsetric & Gynecology
ISSN journal
00016349
Volume
76
Issue
8
Year of publication
1997
Pages
779 - 783
Database
ISI
SICI code
0001-6349(1997)76:8<779:EDITUC>2.0.ZU;2-#
Abstract
Objectives. To: (i) evaluate longitudinally the prevalence of Epstein- Barr virus (EBV) DNA in the cervix of healthy teenage girls, (ii) rela te the presence of cervical EBV DNA to virginity or sexual experience, and (iii) relate the occurrence of cervical EBV DNA to the presence o f specific IgG antibodies to EBV virus capsid antigen (EBV-VCA) in ser um and to signs of genital infection. Material and methods. Thirty-six teenage girls were followed for 2 years between the ages of 16 and 18 years. A sexual history was taken and a gynecological examination was performed on each occasion. The presence of EBV DNA in the cervix and of EBV VCA antibodies in serum was determined on each occasion. Resul ts. Coitus debut was reported by 23/36 girls (64%) and by 31/36 (86%) at 16- and 18-years of age, respectively. Two girls (only one with sex ual debut) harbored EBV DNA in the cervix at 16 years of age. At the a ge of 18, no EBV DNA was found in these two girls, but another three g irls carried EBV DNA in the cervix. All were sexually active and repor ted 1, 4 and 7 life-time sexual partners respectively Serum EBV-VCA an tibodies were found in 83% of the 16-year old girls and in 89% of the 18-year old girls (no significant difference between sexually experien ced and virginal girls at either age). All the girls with cervical EBV DNA had antibodies against EBV-VCA. None of the girls with EBV DNA we re found to carry HPV DNA or have a chlamydial infection in the cervix at any time during the study. There was no significant difference in the number of girls with a cervix secretion predominated by leucocytes between girls with positive and negative cervical EBV DNA samples. Co nclusions. We conclude that among these healthy teenage girls the non- sexual route of transmission of EBV is more plausible than the sexual one.