The detection of Epstein-Barr virus in hairy cell leukemia cells by in situ hybridization

• Published in: The American journal of pathology Vol. 136; no. 3; pp. 717 - 723
• Main Authors: Wolf, BC, Martin, AW, Neiman, RS, Janckila, AJ, Yam, LT, Caracansi, A, Leav, BA, Winpenny, R, Schultz, DS, Wolfe, HJ
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Bethesda, MD ASIP 01.03.1990; American Society for Investigative Pathology
• Subjects: Adult; Antigens, Viral - immunology; Biological and medical sciences; Dermatology; DNA, Viral - genetics; Hair and nails disorders; Herpesvirus 4, Human - genetics; Herpesvirus 4, Human - immunology; Herpesvirus 4, Human - isolation & purification; Humans; Leukemia, Hairy Cell - immunology; Leukemia, Hairy Cell - microbiology; Leukemia, Hairy Cell - pathology; Male; Medical sciences; Microscopy, Electron; Middle Aged; Nucleic Acid Hybridization; RNA, Messenger - genetics; RNA, Viral - genetics; Spleen - microbiology; Spleen - pathology; Spleen - ultrastructure; Gammaherpesvirinae; Infection; Virus; Hair (head); Human; Skin disease; Herpesviridae; Leukemia; Viral disease; Epstein Barr virus
• ISSN: 0002-9440; 1525-2191

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of several B-cell lymphoid proliferations. Because patients with hairy cell leukemia (HCL) have a high incidence of seropositivity for EBV antigens, we studied the cells of HCL for evidence of EBV infection using in situ hybridization techniques. EBV mRNA was detected in the tumor cells in four of six cases using a radiolabeled RNA probe. Confirmatory serologic data were available in three cases in which the viral DNA was detected and in one negative case. Our results suggest that EBV infection may have a pathogenetic role in this disorder.