Prevalence of Cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) Subclinical Infection in Patients with Acute Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP)

Farshad Abbasi; Gholam Abbas Kaydani; Zari Tahannezhad; Mohsen Nakhaie; Ali Amin Asnafi; Maryam Moradi

doi:10.18502/ijhoscr.v15i3.6843

Farshad Abbasi Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Health Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
Gholam Abbas Kaydani Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Health Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
Zari Tahannezhad Department of Laboratory Sciences, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
Mohsen Nakhaie Department of Virology, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
Ali Amin Asnafi Thalassemia & Hemoglobinopathy Research Center, Health Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
Maryam Moradi Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Health, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/ijhoscr.v15i3.6843

Keywords: Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP); Cytomegalovirus (CMV); Epstein-barr virus (EBV)

Abstract

Background: Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) defined as a bleeding disorder in which the number and production of platelets reduced by the immune system; however, the destruction of peripheral blood platelets also occurs. Although its exact etiology and pathogenesis not already know, several studies have shown that Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and cytomegalovirus (CMV) known as possible causative agents of ITP. This investigation aims to evaluate the presence of CMV and EBV in two groups of case and control by polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Materials and Methods: We considered the presence of CMV and EBV in 48 acute ITP patients and 48 healthy people. Study participants were recruited from Ahvaz Shafa Hospital between 2017 and 2018 and the presence of two viruses was investigated by (PCR).

Results: Out of 48 acute ITP patients, the CMV DNA was detected from the blood of 12 (25%) patients and the EBV DNA from the blood of 2 (4.2%) other patients. In addition, only one patient was (2.1%) co-infected with CMV and EBV. In contrast, in 48 healthy subjects, 3 (6.6%) had CMV and none of the control group was infected with EBV.

Conclusion: Due to the presence of both EBV and CMV in the acute ITP patients in Ahvaz, they can be considered as factors in the progression of this disease. Therefore, consideration of the methods of elimination and treatment of these two viruses in these patients may be used as a treatment strategy in ITP patients in the future.