Epstein–Barr Virus Epidemiology, Serology, and Genetic Variability of LMP-1 Oncogene Among Healthy Population: An Update

The Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) is a DNA lymphotropic herpesvirus and the causative agent
of infectious mononucleosis. EBV is highly prevalent since it affects more than 90% of
individuals worldwide and has been linked to several malignancies including PTLDs,
which are one of the most common malignancies following transplantation. Among all the
EBV genes, most of the recent investigations focused on studying the LMP-1 oncogene
because of its high degree of polymorphism and association with tumorigenic activity.
There are two main EBV genotypes, Type 1 and 2, distinguished by the differences
in the EBNA-2 gene. Further sub genotyping can be characterized by analyzing the
LMP-1 gene variation. The virus primarily transmits through oral secretions and persists
as a latent infection in human B-cells. However, it can be transmitted through organ
transplantations and blood transfusions. In addition, symptoms of EBV infection are not
distinguishable from other viral infections, and therefore, it remains questionable whether
there is a need to screen for EBV prior to blood transfusion. Although the process of
leukoreduction decreases the viral copies present in the leukocytes, it does not eliminate
the risk of EBV transmission through blood products. Here, we provide a review
of the EBV epidemiology and the genetic variability of the oncogene LMP-1. Then, we
underscore the findings of recent EBV seroprevalence and viremia studies among blood
donors as a highly prevalent transfusion transmissible oncovirus