Real-time PCR Ct Values of Detection of Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) EBNA1 Gene in Nasopharyngeal Swab Samples.
Nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) is highly prevalent in Asia; however, no established screening program exists to identify high-risk individuals. This study evaluated the potential utility of real-time PCR cycle threshold (Ct) values of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) DNA detection in nasopharyngeal swabs (NS) as a practical non-invasive screening approach.
Nasopharyngeal cytobrush (CB) and swab (NS) samples were collected from 98 patients with NPC, and NS samples were collected from 174 non-NPC individuals. Real-time PCR targeted the EBNA1 gene, with a Ct cutoff < 35 defined as positive. Beta-globin amplification served as an internal control to verify sample adequacy.
In NPC patients, 79% and 81% were EBNA1 positive in CB and NS specimens, respectively. In non-NPC individuals, 10.3% were EBNA1 positive. Median Ct values were 24.4 in NPC patients and 34.4 in non-NPC individuals (p<0.001). Using a Ct cutoff of <35, the diagnostic performance of detecting EBNA1 in NS specimens showed 81% sensitivity, 90% specificity, and 90% accuracy.
A real-time PCR Ct cutoff of< 35 for EBNA1 detection provides a practical and effective non-invasive screening tool for NPC in endemic populations. Further validation in prospective cohorts is required.
Nasopharyngeal cytobrush (CB) and swab (NS) samples were collected from 98 patients with NPC, and NS samples were collected from 174 non-NPC individuals. Real-time PCR targeted the EBNA1 gene, with a Ct cutoff < 35 defined as positive. Beta-globin amplification served as an internal control to verify sample adequacy.
In NPC patients, 79% and 81% were EBNA1 positive in CB and NS specimens, respectively. In non-NPC individuals, 10.3% were EBNA1 positive. Median Ct values were 24.4 in NPC patients and 34.4 in non-NPC individuals (p<0.001). Using a Ct cutoff of <35, the diagnostic performance of detecting EBNA1 in NS specimens showed 81% sensitivity, 90% specificity, and 90% accuracy.
A real-time PCR Ct cutoff of< 35 for EBNA1 detection provides a practical and effective non-invasive screening tool for NPC in endemic populations. Further validation in prospective cohorts is required.
Authors
Wardhana Wardhana, Prayuni Prayuni, Razari Razari, Suseno Suseno, Hidayati Hidayati, Sari Sari, Al-Fathani Al-Fathani, Saputra Saputra, Mahatmi Mahatmi, Yossarsongko Yossarsongko, Herawati Herawati, Saputra Saputra, Sutandyo Sutandyo, Setiawan Setiawan, Susanti Susanti, Akbariani Akbariani, Nurainy Nurainy, Utomo Utomo
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