Objectives: Reactivation of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection in renal transplant recipients may cause significant morbidity and mortality. To evaluate factors associated with activation of EBVreplication we followed prospectively a group of 65 recipients of cadaveric kidney for 12 months. Methods: Sera were collected periodically from these patients and analyzed for the presence of specific anti-EBV antibodies. Control group consisted of renal (n=35) and healthy blood donors (n=35). Enzyme-linked immunoassays based on recombinant EBVproteins were used to detect the following antibody specificities: early antigen (EA) 19A.IgM, and IgG, nuclear antigen (EBNA) IgG. Results: During first year after transplantation. primary infection developed in 4 (6.15%) recipients and reactivation occurred in 18 (27.7%) recipients. Analysis did not show the association of reactivation with type of basic immunosuppressive therapy, prophylactic or therapeutic use of anti-lymphocyte antibodies, as well as acute rejection episodes. There was a borderline association (p=O.068) between the incidence of CMV infection and EBVreactivation. Conclusions:Our data suggest casual relationship between CMV infection and EBVreactivation.

Keywords: Epstein-Barr virus, reactivation, acute rejection