Primary Epstein-Barr virus infection in children with malignant disorders

Summary Serum samples were examined from 125 children (1–12 years) entering a paediatric unit for haematological disorders (74: acute lymphoblastic leukaemia; 11: Hodgkin's disease; 17: solid tumors; 23: non neoplastic disorders). Fifty healthy children were also studied. The sera were tested for class specific IgG and IgM antibodies to EB viral capsid antigen (VCA) and early antigen (EA), and for heterophil antibody. Serological findings consistent with a recent EBV primary infection, not related to the onset of the diseases, were found in six per cent of the patients. Antibodies against EBV-VCA were found in a significantly ( P