Western thymomas lack Epstein-Barr virus by Southern blotting analysis and by polymerase chain reaction.

摘要: The authors investigated 16 western thymomas, 9 from the United States and 7 Europe, for presence of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) DNA sequences by both Southern blot hybridization analysis polymerase chain reaction using EBV-specific probes that detect long internal repeat terminal regions EBNA-1 gene. None thymomas contained evidence EBV genome, even though we could blotting when represents less than or equal to 1% total a single EBV-positive cell is present among 10(5) EBV-negative cells. These results fail demonstrate genome in stand contrast those McGuire et al (Am J Pathol 1988, 131:385) who previously reported occurring southern Chinese patients. Therefore does not appear be implicated pathogenesis all thymomas. eastern where endemic may due epidemiologic factors and/or genetic predispositions.