Expression of latent and replicative-infection genes of Epstein-Barr virusin macrophage

Unlike other herpesviruses, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) has not yet been shown to infect macrophages. Six macrophage cultures were isolated from normal a nd affected samples. Nested polymerase chain reaction revealed the existenc e of the EBV genome in all these macrophages. EBV latent genes expression i n all cultures were detected by mRNA in situ hybridization and immunofluore scence staining. Some cultures also expressed EBV replicative-infection pro teins, while in other cultures induction of these proteins was demonstrated . These findings are the first to show expression of several latent and rep licative-infection genes of EBV in macrophages, indicating that EBV prolife rates in macrophages.