The molecular diversity of Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) is exceptionally complex and based on the characterization of sequences coding for several viral genes. The aim of this study was to analyze the distribution of EBV types 1 and 2 and to characterize LMP1 variants in a cohort of 73 patients with infectious mononucleosis (IM), as well as to investigate a possible association between viral diversity and relevant clinical parameters. Population-based sequencing of EBNA-2 gene showed the presence of EBV type 1 in all IM patients. Analysis of LMP1 gene found a restricted repertoire of LMP1 variants with the predominance of wild-type B95-8, China1, Mediterranean and North Carolina variants with the presence of more than one LMP1 variant in 16.4% of patients. Co-infections with different LMP1 variants were associated with significantly higher levels of C-reactive protein and lower levels of maximal neutrophil counts and minimal platelet count. The results of this study have shown a narrow repertoire of LMP1 variants and an exclusive presence of EBV type 1 in a cohort of IM from Croatia, suggesting a characteristic local molecular pattern of this virus. The clinical importance of distinct immunobiological features of IM patients with LMP1 variant co-infections needs to be investigated further.
Since the first description of patients with pneumonia of unknown origin in Wuhan in December 2019, unprecedented efforts of the international scientific community led to
the identification and molecular characterization of its etiological agent,
e.g. SARS-CoV-2. The global pandemic of COVID-19 represents an outstanding
challenge for the scientists and medical professionals worldwide. In this
review, we discuss the most important aspects of SARS-CoV-2 biology and
virology including antiviral and immunomodulatory treatment strategies as well
as vaccine development.
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