Date of Submission
8-2024
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science in Cellular and Molecular Biology
Department
Biology and Environmental Sciences
Advisor
Anna Kloc, Ph.D.
Committee Member
Amy Carlile, Ph.D.
Committee Member
Alireza G. Senejani, Ph.D.
Committee Member
Anthony Melillo, M.S
Keywords
Viral mRNA, Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), Human Heart, Myocarditis, Cardiovascular Health
MeSH
RNA, Messenger, Herpesvirus 4, Human, Heart, Myocarditis
LCSH
Messenger RNA, Epstein-Barr virus, Epstein-Barr virus diseases, Heart--Biopsy, Myocarditis
Abstract
Myocarditis, characterized by inflammation of the myocardium, can lead to tissue necrosis and degeneration. While it shares similarities with other common illnesses, accurate diagnosis is crucial due to its potentially severe consequences. This study focuses on investigating the presence and reactivation of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in myocarditis by analyzing human heart tissue samples. Specifically, the study aims to detect EBV genome and EBV viral mRNA in human heart tissue samples using nucleic acid extraction, cDNA generation, and PCR analysis with specific primers targeting genes involved in EBV reactivation. Seventy-two heart tissue samples, previously collected from patients with myocarditis, dilated cardiomyopathy, or non-cardiovascular-related causes, were used in this study.
The extracted nucleic acid samples were screened for DNA contamination and treated with DNase enzyme. Finally, gel electrophoresis was used to visualize PCR-amplified bands, which were sequenced for EBV genome confirmation. The EBV was successfully identified in 4 out of the 72 analyzed samples. Only patients who had cardiovascular disease at the time of heart tissue samples collection had the viral genome in their hearts, in contrast to the control patient population. The study's findings provided valuable insights into the potential association of EBV genome presence in heart tissue and disease, which could have implications for cardiovascular health.
Recommended Citation
Prakash, Pentela Sri Aravinda, "Identification of Viral mRNA in Epstein-Barr Virus Isolated from Human Heart Biopsy Samples" (2024). Master's Theses. 213.
https://digitalcommons.newhaven.edu/masterstheses/213