Prevalence of Epstein - Barr virus infection in Hepatitis C

Background: Epstein - Barr virus (EBV) may be an omnipresent, common infective agent of severe illness in patients with impaired immune functions. Reactivation of Epstein-Barr virus in immunocompetent host is typically symptomless, however could deteriorate the prognosis of patient with chronic illness.
Objectives: This study was conducted to detect EBV infection in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections and to point out the effects of EBV-HCV co-infections on liver enzymes activity.
Study design: Expression of EBV-DNA was determined in Serum samples by nested polymerase chain reaction (nested-PCR) method. There were 79 chronic HCV within the study group. Control group consisted of 52 cases without viral hepatitis.
Results: EBV-DNA infection was demonstrated in 29% of chronic HCV patients. Although alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and (AST) levels of EBV-infected HCV patients were increased.
Conclusion: We conclude that EBV infection is common in chronic HCV patients, who can be regarded as patients at high risk for EBV disease.