Characterization of the topography of Epstein-Barr virus infection in human immunodeficiency virus-associated lymphoid tissues.

A highly sensitive in situ hybridization methodology for Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) RNA was used to determine the topography of EBV infection in 16 cases of human immunodeficiency virus-associated lymphoid tissues. Four lymphomas, 11 persistent generalized lymphadenopathy (PGL) lymph nodes, and one lymphoepithelial cyst were studied. The pattern of EBV infection was diffuse in all lymphoma cases and predominantly interfollicular in PGL nodes. No discernable pattern of infection was present in the lymphoepithelial cyst. Germinal center cells were also infected in seven of the PGL cases, and this pattern predominated in one case. Double labeling immunohistochemistry/in situ hybridization studies on four cases of PGL indicated that the EBV infection was primarily involving B-lymphocytes, but rare infected T-lymphocytes were also identified. These studies further clarify the pattern and cellular site of EBV infection in human immunodeficiency virus-related lymphoid disease.