frequency of ebv infection in hiv positives patients

Background and aim: An opportunist infection in patients diagnosed with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) which causes serious complications. This study is conducted to examine the frequency of EBV in HIV/AIDS sufferers and compare it with non-sufferers and examine its correlation with the number of CD4+ lymphocytes. Methods: In a case-control, prospective study, two 114-member groups (patients with and without human immunodeficiency virus) of equal sex and age – one group suffering from HIV – were assessed for the presence of IgG antibody against EBV capsid virus and the number of CD4+ lymphocytes and the results were analyzed based on the objectives of the study. Results: A total of 103 (90.4%) of HIV-positives and 37 (32.5%) of control group were tested positive for EBV-VCA IgG (p value = 0.001). The amount of antibody and the number of CD4+ lymphocytes were in a meaningful and reverse relationship (p value = 0.0003). There was no meaningless difference between the presence of EBV-VCA IgG antibody and the age and sex of patients, transmission of virus and receiving HAART anti-virus treatment (p value>0.05) Conclusion: Due to complications of acute EBV virus and its high frequency in HIV patients, these patients are strongly recommended to be examined for EBV infection after diagnosis in a bid to prevent more mortality and morbidity. Preventive actions and periodical checkups must be done for EBV-positives.