Investigation of genetic and lifestyle risk factors associated with Epstein‑Barr virus reactivation in the Thai population

Current data on the genetic and lifestyle factors associated with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) reactivation in the oral cavity are limited for the Thai population. Furthermore, comprehensive data linking EBV reactivation to head and neck cancers in Thailand remains scarce. The present study aimed to detect EBV reactivation using quantitative PCR in normal oral buccal cells and to examine the associated risk factors. A total of 982 oral buccal cell samples collected across Thailand were analyzed. EBV was detected in 36% (350/974) of samples when targeting the Epstein-Barr nuclear antigen-1 gene, 52% (458/885) of samples when targeting latent membrane protein-1 (<i>LMP-1</i>) and 20% (196/981) of samples when both genes were investigated. The highest prevalence of <i>LMP-1</i> and dual gene positivity was observed in individuals aged 11-20 years. Several SNPs in the <i>TNF-α</i> promoter region, including rs1452146766, rs1799964, rs1554283139, rs924800313, rs1799724 and rs1771099055, were more frequently observed in EBV-positive samples than in EBV-negative samples. Notably, the <i>TNF-α</i> mutation rs1799964 (-1031 TC and CC) was present in 17.3% vs. 9.3% of EBV-positive cases, respectively. Multivariate analysis identified sex, smoking, alcohol consumption, soft drink intake, age of 21-30 years and having four children as significant factors associated with EBV reactivation. In the 21-30-year-old age group, <i>LMP-1</i> positivity was elevated, and higher rates of alcohol use, sexual activity and oral ulcers were observed. Furthermore, in individuals with mouth ulcers, the <i>TNF-α</i> mutation (TC; n=81) was more common than wild-type TNF-α (CC; n=16).