Detection of Epstein-Barr virus DNA in anal scrapings from HIV-positive homosexual men.

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) can infect epithelial cells as well as B lymphocytes. Infection of the male and female genital tracts has recently been demonstrated, and it has been suggested that the virus may be sexually transmissible. In our study we investigated whether EBV can be found in the anal region of sexually active homosexual men. Anal scrapings from HIV-positive homosexual men and a heterosexual control population were investigated using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to screen for EBV DNA. EBV DNA was detected in 8 of 27 anal samples (29.6%) from the homosexual men and 3 of 34 samples (8.8%) from the heterosexual men. Our study shows that, like the genital tract, the anal region can harbour EBV subclinically. This finding suggests that the anal region may be a reservoir for EBV and that sexual transmission of this virus may be possible.