Serum beta-2 microglobulin as a diagnostic biomarker for pediatric Epstein-Barr virus infections: a retrospective study.
Serum beta-2 microglobulin accurately diagnoses primary Epstein-Barr virus infection in children
Serum beta-2 microglobulin as a diagnostic biomarker for pediatric Epstein-Barr virus infections: a retrospective study.
This study aims to evaluate serum beta-2 microglobulin (β2M) as a diagnostic biomarker for acute primary Epstein-Barr virus (Epstein-Barr virus) infection in children, Additionally, serum vitamin D3 levels were compared between Epstein-Barr virus-infected children and children with viral upper respiratory tract infection to explore their potential clinical relevance.
A total of 129 children with acute primary Epstein-Barr virus infection were identified as the Epstein-Barr virus group, while 130 children with viral upper respiratory tract infections in the same age group hospitalized during the same period were identified as the control group.
AUROC 0.907, near-perfect at distinguishing Epstein-Barr virus infection from other infections
The white blood cell count, serum lactate dehydrogenase, and alanine aminotransferase levels in the Epstein-Barr virus group were significantly than those in the control group ( P < 0.0001), and Serum β2M level were significantly higher in the Epstein-Barr virus group than in the control group ( P < 0.001), while serum vitamin D3 levels were significantly lower ( P < 0.001).
Pearson's correlation analysis showed a positive correlation between serum β2M levels and serum EBV-DNA load ( r = 0.469, P < 0.01).
The serum β2M levels are significantly increased in the stage of primary Epstein-Barr virus infection in children, and β2M appears to be a promising biomarker for predicting primary Epstein-Barr virus infection.
The serum vitamin D3 levels are significantly reduced in children with primary Epstein-Barr virus infection, and the protective effect of vitamin D supplementation in those children warrants additional clinical exploration.