Incidence of Epstein-Barr virus reactivation is elevated in COVID-19 patients

• DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2023.199157
• Publication Date: 2023-06-26T21:23:39Z
• Authors: Keishanne Daniell...; Christopher B. Wh...
• Keywords: Epstein-Barr Virus Infections; Herpesvirus 4, Human; SARS-CoV-2; Incidence; COVID-19; Infectious and parasitic diseases; RC109-216; Reactivation; Microbiology; QR1-502; Article; 3. Good health; Coronavirus; Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome; EBV; Epstein-Barr virus; Humans; Virus Activation

COVID-19, an infectious respiratory illness, is caused by infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Individuals with underlying medical conditions are at increased risk of developing serious illnesses such as long COVID. Recent studies have observed Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) reactivation in patients with severe illness or long COVID, which may contribute to associated symptoms. We determined the frequency of EBV reactivation in COVID-19 positive patients compared to COVID-19 negative patients. 106 blood plasma samples were collected from COVID-19 positive and negative patients and EBV reactivation was determined by detection of EBV DNA and antibodies against EBV lytic genes in individuals with previous EBV infection. 27.1% (13/48) of EBV reactivations, based on qPCR detection of EBV genomes, are from the COVID positive group while only 12.5% (6/48) of reactivations belonged to the negative group. 20/52 (42.30%) of the COVID PCR negative group had detectable antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 nucleoprotein (Np); indicative of past infection. A significantly higher SARS-CoV-2 Np protein level was found in the COVID-19 positive group. In conclusion, COVID-19 patients experienced increased reactivation of EBV in comparison to COVID negative patients.