Comparative and Phylogenetic Analysis of Epstein-Barr Virus Isolates in Gastric Cancer and Chronic Gastritis Patients in Iran Publisher



Sarshari B^{1, 2} ; Zarehkhoshchehreh R^{1, 3} ; Tavallaei M⁴ ; Rajabnia M⁵ ; Norooz MT⁶ ; Mohebbi SR⁷ ; Ravanshad M¹
Source: Future Virology Published:2023

Abstract

Aim: To investigate the correlation between Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) variants and EBV-associated gastric cancer (EBVaGC) in Iran. Materials & methods: Biopsies from 21 gastric cancer (4 positive EBER-ISH [EBVaGC] and 17 negative EBER-ISH) and 11 gastritis patients were analyzed using nested PCR and sequencing. Results: Genotype 1 (75%) was the predominant EBV genotype. The P-thr variant was the most common in all groups (positive EBER-ISH 75%, negative EBER-ISH 76.4%, and gastritis 81.8%), followed by P-ala. Additionally, the predominant LMP1 strain in all groups was Med. Sequencing analysis revealed a strong correlation between the P-thr and type 1. Conclusion: Since no preferential correlations were observed between distinct EBV variants and the study groups, these results might indicate geographic polymorphisms. © 2024 Expert Publishing Medicine Ltd trading as Taylor & Francis.