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.