Epstein-Barr viral load measurement as a marker of EBV-related disease.

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is associated with a wide variety of benign and neoplastic diseases. EBV viral load assays that may prove useful in rapid assessment of disease status are now available. The two most common approaches to viral load measurement are quantitative, competitive PCR, and real-time PCR. Laboratory studies have shown that these assays are sensitive and specific for measuring EBV DNA in blood samples. Clinical investigations suggest a role for viral load measurement in predicting and monitoring EBV-associated tumors, including nasopharyngeal carcinoma, post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder, Hodgkin's disease, and AIDS-related lymphoma. These new laboratory tools show promise in improving clinical management of affected patients.