Work

Real-time PCR Ct Values of Detection of Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) EBNA1 Gene in Nasopharyngeal Swab Samples

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) is highly prevalent in Asia; however, no established screening program exists to identify high-risk individuals. This study evaluated the potential utility of real-time PCR cycle threshold (Ct) values of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) DNA detection in nasopharyngeal swabs (NS) as a practical non-invasive screening approach. METHODS: Nasopharyngeal cytobrush (CB) and swab (NS) samples were collected from 98 patients with NPC, and NS samples were collected from 174 non-NPC individuals. Real-time PCR targeted the EBNA1 gene, with a Ct cutoff < 35 defined as positive. Beta-globin amplification served as an internal control to verify sample adequacy. RESULTS: In NPC patients, 79% and 81% were EBNA1 positive in CB and NS specimens, respectively. In non-NPC individuals, 10.3% were EBNA1 positive. Median Ct values were 24.4 in NPC patients and 34.4 in non-NPC individuals (p<0.001). Using a Ct cutoff of <35, the diagnostic performance of detecting EBNA1 in NS specimens showed 81% sensitivity, 90% specificity, and 90% accuracy. CONCLUSION: A real-time PCR Ct cutoff of< 35 for EBNA1 detection provides a practical and effective non-invasive screening tool for NPC in endemic populations. Further validation in prospective cohorts is required.

Source: Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention

DOI: 10.31557/apjcp.2026.27.9.3179