Detection of Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) by Real-Time PCR and Evaluation of Immunological Markers (IL-6, IFN-γ) and Biochemical Liver Enzymes in Patients with Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

Abstract

Background & Aim: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is an epithelial malignancy connected to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection in endemic areas. Through real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR), this study detected EBV-DNA in NPC patients and assessed immunological markers (IL-6, IFN-γ), ALT, AST, and ALP. Methods: 80 newly diagnosed NPC patients and 40 healthy controls were evaluated in a case-control study. Plasma EBV-DNA was quantified by TaqMan real-time PCR using the BamHI-W repeat region. Liver enzymes were measured using kinetic spectrophotometry, while serum IL-6 and IFN-γ were measured using sandwich ELISA. Results: EBV-DNA was detected in 88.7% of NPC patients (71/80), with a mean viral burden of 4.82 ± 1.13 log₁₀ copies/mL. Negative controls. Patients had considerably greater IL-6 and IFN-γ levels than controls (p < 0.001), with IL-6 positively correlated with EBV virus load (r = 0.612). Some people showed mildly elevated ALT and AST, indicating secondary hepatic involvement. 

Conclusion: These data support plasma EBV-DNA quantification in NPC diagnosis and suggest a link between viral replication and immunological dysfunction. The biomarker panel (EBV-DNA + IL-6 + IFN-γ) may aid in disease monitoring and patient stratification in EBV-associated NPC.