OUTBREAK OF BURKITT'S-LIKE LYMPHOMA IN HOMOSEXUAL MEN

Abstract

Four cases of Burkitt''s-like lymphoma (undifferentiated, monoclonal, B cell tumors) in homosexual men were seen in a 9 mo. period in San Francisco [California, USA]. One tumor contained both Epstein-Barr virus nuclear antigen (EBNA) and cytomegalovirus (CMV) antigen. Another tumor contained EBNA and a 3rd contained no viral antigen, but EBNA and CMV antigens were detected in the overlying epithelium. This outbreak widens the array of neoplasms affecting immunosuppressed homosexual men and provides further evidence of an oncogenic role for EBV and CMV.