Tabari Biomedical Student Research Journal

Mendeley  

Zotero  

rezaayekani@gmail.com M H S. Molecular Isolation of Varicella-Zoster Virus from the Herpesvirus Family in the Serum of Patients with Leukemia. Tabari Biomed Stu Res J 2026; 8 (3) :43-50
URL: http://tbsrj.mazums.ac.ir/article-1-3898-en.html

Introduction and Aim:

Leukemia is a hematologic malignancy characterized by progressive bone marrow dysfunction and destruction of myeloid or lymphoid lineages. Immunocompromised individuals, particularly children with leukemia, are highly susceptible to opportunistic viral infections such as Varicella-zoster virus (VZV), also known as human herpesvirus type 3. This study aimed to detect VZV DNA in the serum of patients with leukemia using polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Methods:

A total of 100 serum samples from leukemia patients and 100 samples from healthy controls were collected from hospitals in Tehran. Viral DNA was extracted using the phenol–chloroform method. The PCR assay was optimized and evaluated for specificity and limit of detection. All samples were tested alongside positive and negative controls. Statistical analyses, including Pearson correlation and regression analysis, were performed using SPSS version 22.

Results:

The optimized PCR assay amplified a specific 216-bp fragment of VZV, confirmed by agarose gel electrophoresis. No non-specific amplification was observed. The detection limit was determined to be 10 copies. All control samples were negative, whereas 9% of leukemia patients tested positive for VZV. Significant associations were found between VZV positivity and age and gender (P < 0.01). Regression analysis confirmed the predictive value of these variables.

Conclusion:

Approximately 9% of leukemia patients showed VZV DNA in serum. Larger studies with expanded sample sizes are recommended to clarify the potential role of VZV in leukemia pathogenesis.