PREVALENCE OF IGA SPECIFIC ANTIBODIES TO EPSTEIN-BARR-VIRUS CAPSID AND EARLY ANTIGENS IN NASOPHARYNGEAL CARCINOMA

Ninety-one patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), and 164 age-m atched healthy controls were tested for presence of IgA antibodies to Epstsin-Barr virus capsid antigen (VCA) and early antigen (EA) in thei r sera by indirect ELISA using ''EBViral DETECT'' commercial test kit. IgA anti-VCA was found in 76 (83.5%) of NPC patients and 16 (9.8%) of the controls. Meanwhile, IgA anti-EA was found in 72 (79.1%) of NPC p atients and 21 (12.8%) of the controls. In a parallel study by indirec t immunofluorescence test (IIF), IgA anti-VCA was found In 77 of 91 (8 4.6%) NPC patients and 22 of 142 (15.5%) controls. The prevalence rate s of anti-VCA as screened by ELISA and IIF were very similar suggestin g that either one of the two tests can be used alternatively depending on the purpose and facilities in each individual laboratory. IgA anti bodies to VCA and EA were more prevalence in NPC patients than those i n the controls, the finding which again supported the association betw een EBV and NPC as was suggested in many other reports.