Incidence of Epstein-Barr virus reactivation is elevated in COVID-19 patients, 2023 Keishanne Danielle E. Bernal et al

Highlights

• • COVID-19 patients have increased incidence of Epstein-Barr Virus reactivation.
  • Detection of EBV DNA is greater among COVID-19 positive patients (27.1% vs 12.5%).
  • No statistical difference in CRP levels of COVID-19 positive vs. negative patients.
  • No statistical difference in amount of EBV genomes in reactivated patient groups.

Abstract
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.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0168170223001193

 

High school junior research project - contributing more useful and reliable evidence than certain long-career researchers...

 

Wow, kudos to her. I hope she has a great career in science.