DETECTION OF EPISTEIN BARR VIRUS IN BREAST CANCER USING THE POLYMERASE CHAIN REACTION AND IN SITU HYBRIDIZATION

In order to prove the implication of Epstein-Barr virus in breast cancer of Iraqi patients, breast cancer tissues were collected from 50 newly diagnosed patients recruited at The Medical City Teaching Hospital and Al-Helal Al Ahmar Hospital in Baghdad. Twenty non-cancer breast tissue biopsies represented the control group. The polymerase chain reaction was applied to detect Epstein-Barr nuclear antigen-1 (EBNA-1) and latent membrane antigen (LMP-1) viral genes. Latent Epstein-Barr virus encoded RNAs (EBER 1 EBER 2) were detected using in-situ hybridization technique. The relation to breast cancer type and grade were studied. The amplified EBNA-1 bands of EBV were identified in 26/5 (52%) and the amplified LMP-1 bands were identified in 10 /50 (20%) of the malignant group. Positive in situ hybridization signals for EBER-1 2 were detected in 6/50 (12%). The presence of the virus was proved by EBNA-1 and LMP-1 in 6 (12%) cases, by EBNA-1 and EBERs in 4 (8%) cases, by LMP-1 and EBERs in 2 (4%) cases and by all markers in 4 (8%) cases. It was concluded that the relation of this virus to breast cancer is potentially important as an etiological factor. It also helps identifying women at risk for this type of cancer. It could assist early diagnosis and measurement of post – therapy residual disease.