Detection of Epstein Barr virus DNA in thymic epithelial tumor using nested PCR

Abstract

Background: Thymus is a lymphoepithelial organ composed of epithelial cells and lymphocytes. Primary tumors of the thymus are uncommon and a definite risk factor has not been found. There are some reports regarding the association of the (EBV) Epstein Barr Virus with thymic epithelial tumors. This study was conducted to evaluate the presence of EBV genome in thymic epithelial tumor. Materials and Methods: EBV genome, EBNA2 was examined from DNA extracts of 41 paraffin embedded specimens including 16 thymic epithelial tumors as subject cases and 25 mediastinal lymph nodes as controls. Results: Nested PCR assay revealed that 31.25% of cases were positive for EBV genome. Conclusion: The presence of EBV genome EBNA2 in thymic epithelial tumor suggesting that this association may be due to the endemic nature of EBV infection. © 2006 NRITLD, National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, Iran.