Comparison of Epstein Barr virus presence in Hodgkin’s lymphoma between pediatric and adult patients

DE MATTEO, E; VIJNOVICH, A.; PAOLA ANDREA CHABAY; PORTA, J.; DRAGOSKY, M.; PRECIADO, M. V.

Archives of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine

College of American Pathologist

Año: 2003 vol. 127 p. 1325 - 1329

0003-9985

Context: In developed countries and high socioeconomic groups, Hodgkin’s lymphoma (HL) has an initial peak in young adulthood, whereas in undeveloped countries and low socioeconomic groups shows an early childhood peak. Concerning the Epstein Barr virus (EBV) infection, in developing countries 90% of children are infected by age 6 years, but in developed countries only 30-40% are seropositive on that age. Early childhood EBV infection in 75% Argentine patients was demonstrated. Objective: To explore the epidemiology of HL and its relationship with EBV in our Argentine population. Methods: EBV presence was assessed by EBERs in situ hybridization and LMP-1 immunohistochemistry. Ninety-two pediatric and 42 adult HL cases from a public centre, as well as 39 adult ones from a private centre were studied.  Results: Mixed cellularity (MC) prevalence was 52% in the pediatric group while similar frequency of both nodular sclerosis (NS) 47% and MC 44% was shown in adults. As regards EBERs, 55% pediatric cases and 31% adult ones were positive. Among adult EBV + cases, 38% were from the public hospital and 23% from the private centre. EBV was present in 77% MC of pediatric cases compared with other histological subtypes. EBV was mainly detected in MC cases 39% in the adult group.  Conclusion: Our findings strengthen the argument that EBV is involved in the pathogenesis of HL in most children under 10 years. Our above EBV prevalence, along with both a childhood and a second decade peak and a comparable frequency of MC and NS, distinguish our population from others in developing countries.