Investigation of anti-EBV-EA IgG and EBNA IgG antibody profile in Iraqi patients with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis

Author(s): Marwa A. Al-Asady1 and Rana Hamad Saleh Al-Hechami2
Date: 08/10/2026
doi: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.8425890

Abstract

Background: Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis (HT) is a leading cause of hypothyroidism worldwide. Its 
pathogenesis is multifactorial, involving a complex interplay where genetic susceptibility plays a 
significant role  and  environmental triggers, particularly chronic viral infection,  are increasingly 
recognized as critical factors in initiating the autoimmune response. Among these, the Epstein-Barr Virus 
(EBV)  a ubiquitous double-stranded DNA (ds DNA) herpesvirus that establishes lifelong latency in host 
B-lymphocyte,  has emerged as a primary candidate. Elevated levels of EBV-Early-antigen
immunoglobulin-G (EBV-EA-IgG) generally signify either an acute primary infection or an active phase 
of viral reactivation. While EBV-nuclear antigen IgG (EBNA IgG) detection characteristically rules out 
acute mononucleosis, confirming that the patient has established lifelong viral latency. Aims of the study: 
To investigate the association of anti-EBV-EA IgG and anti-EBNA IgG levels in patients with HT. 
Methods: The current case-control study  was conducted on the Iraqi population. The 100 individuals in 
this study were divided into two groups: the Patient group (50 subjects) newly diagnosed with HT, and 
control group include healthy people (50 subjects). ELISA used for serological test to assess anti-EBV
EA IgG, anti-EBV-EBNA IgG and anti-TPO. Results: In the current study, the seroprevalence of anti
EBNA IgG in patient group was (94%), while in control group was (90%); there was no statistically 
significant association between the two groups (p-value > 0.46). the seroprevalence of anti-EBV-EA-IgG 
in patient group was (72%), compared to only (9%) in the control group, demonstrating a highly 
statistically significant association between the groups (p-value < 0.0001). Conclusions: The present of 
EBV-EA IgG in patients with HT compared to the healthy group suggests a possible association between 
EBV-reactivation and HT progression. In contrast, no significant association was found between EBNA 
IgG and HT.

Download Full Text