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;




AuthorsRinne, Sanni; Michels, Birgitta; Butt, Julia; Syrjänen, Kari; Grenman, Seija; Waterboer, Tim; Syrjänen, Stina; Louvanto, Karolina

PublisherSpringer Science and Business Media LLC

Publication year2026

Journal: Scientific Reports

Article number24626

Volume16

Issue1

eISSN2045-2322

DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-54544-7

Publication's open availability at the time of reportingOpen 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 addresshttps://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/527129385

Self-archived copy's licenceCC BY

Self-archived copy's versionPublisher`s PDF


Abstract

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 studyEpstein-Barr virusEpstein-Barr Virus Infectionskohorttitutkimusserology

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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].


Last updated on 19/08/2026 09:17:00 AM