1. Sensitivity and specificity of Epstein-Barr virus IGA titer in the diagnosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma: a three-year institutional review.
- Author
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Tsang RK, Vlantis AC, Ho RW, Tam JS, To KF, and van Hasselt CA
- Subjects
- Antibodies, Viral blood, Biomarkers, Tumor blood, Herpesvirus 4, Human, Humans, Nasopharyngeal Diseases virology, Sensitivity and Specificity, Antigens, Viral immunology, Capsid immunology, Capsid Proteins immunology, Immunoglobulin A blood, Nasopharyngeal Diseases diagnosis
- Abstract
Background: IgA antibody titers to the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) viral capsid antigen (EBV IgA-VCA) and to the EBV early antigen (EBV IgA-EA) are used to screen for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). This study evaluates the sensitivity and specificity of EBV IgA-VCA and EBV IgA-EA titers in screening patients for NPC and in those diagnosed with NPC at our institution., Methods: The NPC status was determined for all patients who had their EBV IgA-VCA and EBV-IgA EA titers measured over a 3-year period, and the sensitivity and specificity were calculated., Results: Five thousand one hundred ninety-six samples were analyzed. NPC was diagnosed in 215 patients. The sensitivity and specificity of a raised EBV IgA-VCA titer (> or =1:5) for diagnosing NPC were 89% and 80%, respectively, with a raised EbV IgA-EA titer (> or =1:5) having a sensitivity and specificity of 63% and 97%, respectively., Conclusions: Although the EBV IgA-VCA titer is sensitive for the diagnosis of NPC, it should not be used as the sole means of screening for NPC in a population in which NPC is endemic., (Copyright 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)
- Published
- 2004
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