Abstract
We examined human tongue epithelium and serum samples at autopsy for evidence of latent Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection. Although clinical serology revealed anti-EBV antibodies in most sera indicating past EBV infection, we found no Epstein-Barr nuclear antigen (EBNA)-coding sequences in tongue tissue by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), or Epstein-Barr-encoded RNA (EBER1) by in situ hybridization. Tongue epithelium does not appear to be a natural reservoir for latent EBV in immunocompetent hosts.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
MeSH terms
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Adolescent
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Adult
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Amino Acid Sequence
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Antigens, Viral / analysis
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Blood
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Cell Nucleus / immunology
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Child
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Child, Preschool
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DNA, Viral / genetics
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DNA-Binding Proteins / analysis
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Epithelium / microbiology
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Epstein-Barr Virus Nuclear Antigens
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Female
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Genes, Viral / genetics
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Herpesvirus 4, Human / genetics
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Herpesvirus 4, Human / immunology
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Herpesvirus 4, Human / isolation & purification*
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Humans
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In Situ Hybridization
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Infant
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Male
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Middle Aged
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Polymerase Chain Reaction
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RNA, Viral / genetics
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Tongue / microbiology*
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Trans-Activators / analysis
Substances
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Antigens, Viral
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DNA, Viral
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DNA-Binding Proteins
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Epstein-Barr Virus Nuclear Antigens
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RNA, Viral
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Trans-Activators