A METHOD FOR THE DIAGNOSIS OF EPSTEIN-BAR R-VIRUS INFECTION

An original methodological approach to the diagnosis of Epstein-Barr v irus (EBV) infection is proposed, consisting in the detection of viral DNA in peripheral blood lymphocytes using in situ DNA hybridization. EBV DNA was found in 6 (50%) patients with lymphomas and in 1 (33%) wi th infective endocarditis out of 26 examined recipients of blood compo nents. No EBV DNA was found in peripheral blood lymphocytes of 14 regu lar donors. Normalization of the immune status of a patient and use of blood components containing no EBV is the key factor in the preventio n of EBV infection. Biohit test system for in situ hybridization of EB V DNA may be used for diagnostic monitoring of EBV infection and scree ning of blood and tissue donors.