Epstein-Barr virus infections in homosexual men with chronic, persistent generalized lymphadenopathy.

The status of infection by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in 20 patients with chronic, persistent generalized lymphadenopathy was evaluated with use of three parameters: antibodies to EBV, EBV excretion, and EB virocytemia. Results were compared with those obtained from two groups of control subjects: patients with infectious mononucleosis and healthy EBV-seropositive adults. Profiles of antibody to EBV and the prevalence of EBV excretion were essentially similar for study subjects and healthy control subjects, but the level of EB virocytemia was significantly higher in study subjects than in healthy control subjects.