Plasma magnesium is inversely associated with Epstein-Barr virus load in peripheral blood and Burkitt lymphoma in Uganda.

BACKGROUND

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) causes endemic Burkitt lymphoma (eBL). EBV control was improved by magnesium (Mg) supplementation in XMEN, an X-linked genetic disease associated with Mg deficiency, high circulating EBV levels (viral loads), and EBV-related lymphomas. We, therefore, investigated the relationship between Mg levels and EBV levels and eBL in Uganda.

METHODS

Plasma Mg was measured in 45 women with low or high circulating EBV levels, 40 pediatric eBL cases, and 79 healthy children. Mg uptake by T-lymphocytes was evaluated in samples from healthy donors.

RESULTS

Plasma Mg deficiency (plasma level <1.8 mg/dl) was more likely in women with high- vs. low-EBV levels (76.0% vs. 35%; odds ratio [OR] 11.3, 95% CI 2.14-60.2), controlling for age, and in eBL cases than controls (42.0% vs. 13.9%; OR 3.61, 95% CI 1.32-9.88), controlling for sex, age group, and malaria status. Mg uptake by T-lymphocytes was related to extracellular Mg concentration.

INTERPRETATION

Plasma Mg deficiency is associated with high EBV levels and eBL.