Detection of serological markers of Epstein-Barr virus in children with malignant lymphomas

48 children with malignant lymphomas were examined serologically for the pr esence of specific Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) antibodies. It was revealed tha t the majority of the patients (93.6%) had EBV antibodies before chemothera py started. 24 from 27 (88.9%) children with Hodgkin's disease had high IgG EBNA level compared to only 6 from 21 (28.6%) with NHL (p<0.001). Also, a high frequency of IgM VCA EBV in children with BHL (11 from 21, 52.4%) were detected. Clinical sensitivity of IgM VCA EBV test was assessed by testing 51 blood samples collected from patients with infectious mononucleosis. Ef ficiency of antiviral drugs in patients with chronic active EBV infection i s demonstrated.