A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal
Epstein-Barr virus serology in relation to the outcomes of oral and genital human papillomavirus infections in women during 3-year follow-up; 
Authors: Rinne, Sanni; Michels, Birgitta; Butt, Julia; Syrjänen, Kari; Grenman, Seija; Waterboer, Tim; Syrjänen, Stina; Louvanto, Karolina
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Publication year: 2026
Journal: Scientific Reports
Article number: 24626
Volume: 16
Issue: 1
eISSN: 2045-2322
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-54544-7
Publication's open availability at the time of reporting: Open Access
Publication channel's open availability : Open Access publication channel
Web address : https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-54544-7
Self-archived copy’s web address: https://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/527129385
Self-archived copy's licence: CC BY
Self-archived copy's version: Publisher`s PDF
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and human papillomavirus (HPV) are common oncoviruses that infect similar anatomical sites, persist as latent infections, and contribute to oncogenesis. However, the role of EBV as a cofactor in HPV infection outcomes remains unclear. This study assessed the implications of EBV serology on oral and genital HPV infections in a longitudinal setting. The study included 280 women from the Finnish Family HPV cohort, followed for three years. Oral, genital, and blood samples were collected at baseline and 12-, 24-, and 36-month follow-ups. EBV-IgG antibodies to Zebra, EA-D, EBNA-1, and VCAp18 proteins were analyzed using multiplex serology, and HPV genotyping was performed with the Multimetrix® assay. Among the 280 women, 98.2% (n = 275) were seropositive for at least two EBV antibodies, with stable antibody levels over the follow-up. Self-reported atopy increased the likelihood of high Zebra and VCAp18 antibody levels OR 2.11 (95%CI 1.07–4.17) and OR 2.45 (95%CI 1.24–4.83). No clear associations between EBV serology and longitudinal oral and genital HPV outcomes were found. In conclusion, nearly all women tested positive for EBV antibodies, however, no notable implications between EBV antibody levels and longitudinal outcomes of oral and HPV infection outcomes could be determined.
Keywords:
cohort study, Epstein-Barr virus, Epstein-Barr Virus Infections, kohorttitutkimus, serology
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Funding information in the publication:
This work was supported by the Academy of Finland [SS, KL]; Päivikki and Sakari Sohlberg Foundation [SS, SG, KL]; Sigrid Jusélius Foundation [KL]; and the Finnish Medical Foundation [KL].