Epstein-Barr virus salivary shedding and serological status in pediatric patients with chronic kidney disease.

Abstract

Saliva is the main route for transmission of several microorganisms, such as the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a well known human herpesvirus with lymphotropic characteristics. EBV is ubiquitous in humans, infecting approximately 90% of the global population. Its primary infection occurs mainly during childhood and may be asymptomatic. The virus is characterized by its latency and viral reactivation throughout the life, and as an important opportunistic pathogen. Excretion of the virus can be present in immunocompetent individuals, but is frequently detected in immunosuppressed patients. Therefore, this project aims to analyze the dynamics of EBV viral excretion in the saliva of pediatric patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing renal replacement therapy. The detection and quantification of viral DNA from serum and saliva samples will be analyzed using quantitative real-time PCR methodology. Furthermore, to evaluate the serological status of each patient, an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) will be performed to detect anti-EBV IgM and IgG. Thereby, it will be possible to compare the viral load in saliva and serum samples, determine the seroprevalence for EBV in this population and correlate viral excretion and the serological profile.