Do we need to screen our patients for EBV IgG antibody before kidney transplantation?

Background and Aims: Epstein - Barr virus (EBV) can cause serious complications in kidney transplant patients. Current guidelines are recommended that both recipients and donors, be routinely tested for EBV IgG antibody before kidney transplantation and the aim of the study was to evaluate the value of this recommendation.

Material and Methods:  In a cross sectional study from February 2009 to March 2010, we evaluated donors and recipients who referred to our kidney transplant center. Routine pretransplante laboratory testes including EBV IgG and IgM antibody were performed.

Results: A total of 112 people, 52 donors (29 male and 23 Female) and 60 recipients (38 male and 22 female) were included in the study. Mean age of donors and recipients were 31.3±6.7 years and 42.1±12.57 years, respectively. Marker of HBV and HCV infections were positive in only 1 and 2 recipients and negative in all of donors. EBV IgG antibody was positive in 70 percent of recipients (n=42) and 52 percent of donors (n=27) but there was no statistically significant difference between them (p =0 .053) and between males and females (p=0.94). EBV IgM antibody was negative in 97 percent of recipients (n=57) and 100 percent of donors (n=67).

Conclusion: The seroprevalence of EBV infection among candidate for kidney transplantation in khuzestan is not very high compared to other provinces in Iran, although we should perform screening for EBV to avoid kidney donation from seropositive donor to seronegative recipient.