DETECTION OF EPSTEIN-BARR GENOME IN THE LYMPH-NODES OF HODGKINS-DISEASE

We have used the enzymatic in situ hybridization method to investigate the presence of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) genome in lymph node tissues from patients with Hodgkin's disease. Also, 11 patients with persiste nt human immune-deficiency virus-associated generalized lymphadenopath y as well as seven autopsy cases with no Hodgkin's disease, formed par t of these studies. EBV DNA-positive reaction was demonstrated in Reed -Sternberg cells and variants in seven of 16 cases and in the small ac companying lymphocyte cell population in 14 of the 16 cases. It was al so found in eight of the 11 cases with persistent generalized lymphade nopathy but in none of the lymph nodes from negative selective autopsy cases. Our results indicate that the colorimetric in situ hybridizati on technique is useful in EBV nucleic acid detection and cell-type loc alization in Hodgkin's disease. Additionally, the detection of EBV gen ome, not only in the diagnostic cells but in the small lymphocyte cell components, could provide new insights into the potential role of thi s agent in the pathogenesis of Hodgkin's disease.