Impact and long-term protection of hepatitis B vaccination: 17 years after universal hepatitis B vaccination in Tunisia.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccination has been part of the Expanded Programme of Immunization (EPI) in Tunisia since 1995. The aim of this study was to evaluate, for the first time, the impact of mass vaccination in Tunisia 17 years after this programme was implemented, and in parallel, assess the long-term persistence of anti-HBs antibody in the vaccinated Tunisian population. A total of 1422 students were recruited (703 vaccinated, 719 non-vaccinated). HBV seromarkers were checked. None of the students from either group had positive HBsAg. The overall prevalence of anti-HBc was 0·8%. A Significantly higher prevalence of anti-HBc was noted in unvaccinated students than in vaccinated (1·4% vs. 0·3%, P = 0·02). The overall seroprotection rate (anti-HBs titre ⩾10 mIU/ml) was 68·9% in vaccinated subjects. Seroprotection rates and geometric mean titres decreased significantly with increasing age, reflecting waning anti-HBs titre over time. No significant difference was detected between seroprotection rates and gender or students' area of origin. Incomplete vaccination was the only factor associated with an anti-HBs titre <10 mIU/ml. This study demonstrates the excellent efficacy of the HBV vaccination programme in Tunisia 17 years after its launch. However, a significant decline of anti-HBs seroprotection has been observed in ⩾15-year-old adolescents which places them at risk of infection. Additional studies are needed in hyperendemic regions in Tunisia.

Epidemiology and medical cost of hospitalization due to rotavirus gastroenteritis among children under 5 years of age in the central-east of Tunisia.

Data on the economic burden of rotavirus infection in Tunisia are needed to inform the decision to include rotavirus in routine childhood immunizations. This study aimed to describe the epidemiological profile of rotavirus disease in central-east Tunisia and to estimate its hospital cost. In the first stage - the prospective collection of epidemiological data - we enrolled all patients < 5 years old who were hospitalized for acute diarrhoea at 5 university paediatric departments in central-east Tunisia during the period 2009-2011. Rotavirus was responsible for 65 (23.3%) of the 279 cases enrolled. In the second stage, cost data were collected retrospectively using an activity-based costing method from the medical records of the children who were positively diagnosed with rotavirus. The average cost of care per child was TD 433 (SD 134). This is a significant economic burden in Tunisia, where a safe and effective vaccine is available but not yet introduced to the immunization schedule.

Charged nano-domes and bubbles in epitaxial graphene.

For the first time, new epitaxial graphene nano-structures resembling charged 'bubbles' and 'domes' are reported. A strong influence, arising from the change in morphology, on the graphene layer's electronic, mechanical and optical properties has been shown. The morphological properties of these structures have been studied with atomic force microscopy (AFM), ultrasonic force microscopy (UFM) and Raman spectroscopy. After initial optical microscopy observation of the graphene, a detailed description of the surface morphology, via AFM and nanomechanical UFM measurements, was obtained. Here, graphene nano-structures, domes and bubbles, ranging from a few tens of nanometres (150­200 nm) to a few µm in size have been identified. The AFM topographical and UFM stiffness data implied the freestanding nature of the graphene layer within the domes and bubbles, with heights on the order of 5­12 nm. Raman spectroscopy mappings of G and 2D bands and their ratio confirm not only the graphene composition of these structures but also the existence of step bunching, defect variations and the carrier density distribution. In particular, inside the bubbles and substrate there arises complex charge redistribution; in fact, the graphene bubble­substrate interface forms a charged capacitance. We have determined the strength of the electric field inside the bubble­substrate interface, which may lead to a minigap of the order of 5 meV opening for epitaxial graphene grown on 4H-SiC face-terminated carbon.

Sequence and structural analyses of NSP4 proteins from human group A rotavirus strains detected in Tunisia.

BACKGROUND: The NSP4 protein of group A rotavirus (RVA) has been recognized as a viral enterotoxin and plays important roles in viral pathogenesis and morphogenesis. Domains involved in structural and functional interactions have been proposed mainly based on the simian SA11 strain. METHODS: NSP4 has been classified into 15 different genotypes (E1-E15), and the aim of this study was to analyze the sequences of 46 RVA strains in order to determine the aminoacid (aa) differences between E1 and E2 genotypes. Another aspect was to characterize the structural and physicochemical properties of these strains. RESULTS: Comparison of deduced aa sequences of the NSP4 protein showed that divergences between NSP4 genotypes E1 and E2 were mostly observed in the VP4-binding, the interspecies variable domain (ISVD) and the double-layered particle (DLP) binding domains. Interestingly, uncommon variations in residues 131 and 138, which are known to be important aa in pathogenesis, were found in one unusual animal derived strain belonging to the E2 genotype. Concerning the structural aspect, no significant differences were noted. CONCLUSION: The presence of punctual aa variations in the NSP4 genotypes may indicate that NSP4 mutates mainly via accumulation of point mutations.

Study of physical properties of the Li0.5MgFe1.5O3.5 ferrite nanoparticles.

In the present research study, the structural, optical, magnetic, electrical and dielectrical properties of the spinel ferrite Li0.5MgFe1.5O3.5, synthesized using a sol-gel auto-combustion method were studied. X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and Raman spectroscopy revealed that this sample crystallizes in a cubic spinel structure with space group Fd3̄m. Moreover, the optical investigation by UV-visible spectroscopy has revealed that the band gap for our sample is (E g = 2.87 eV), which shows that our compound is a potential candidate for optoelectronic applications. The values of the remanent magnetization M r = 0.13 emu g-1, of the coercive field H C = 4.65 Oe deduced from the hysteresis loop, are very low, suggesting the superparamagnetic behavior of our sample. Additionally, the temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) is -19% affirmed that Li0.5MgFe1.5O3.5 ferrite is a good candidate for detecting infrared radiation and infrared bolometric applications. Indeed, the activation energies were calculated from the imaginary part of the impedance, the electrical conductivity, and the imaginary part of the modulus, thus demonstrating that the charge carriers involved in the processes of conduction and relaxation are the same.

[Epidemiology of rotavirus gastroenteritis among children under 5 years of age in Tunisia - results of sentinel hospital surveillance 2009 to 2011]. / Épidémiologie des gastroentérites à rotavirus chez les enfants âgés de moins de cinq ans en Tunisie - Résultats de la surveillance sentinelle hospitalière 2009 à 2011.

BACKGROUND: Rotavirus is the major cause of severe acute gastroenteritis among young children. The objectives of this study were to assess the epidemiology, clinical and virological features of community-acquired rotavirus acute gastroenteritis, in children under 5 years of age, hospitalized in Tunisia. METHODS: A multicenter prospective observational study was conducted from April 2009 to March 2011, in 11 sentinel pediatric departments. Clinical data and stool samples were collected for all children under 5 years, admitted for acute gastroenteritis. Rotavirus was detected by Elisa immunoassay test and genotyped for G and P by semi-nested multiplex RT-PCR. RESULT: A total of 621 children were enrolled in this study. Rotavirus was detected in 30.3% of cases (95% CI [26.7-33.9]). The estimated incidence rate of rotavirus acute gastroenteritis was 11 cases/100,000 child-years (95% CI [9.43-12.57]). This infection affected predominantly children aged under 24 months, and occurred mainly in winter (55.3%). Vomiting, fever and dehydration were observed in 79.6%, 69.5% and 57% respectively. Genotype analysis identified four G types (G1, G2, G3 and G4) and 4 P types (P[4], P[6], P[8] and P[9]). The most common G/P combination was G3P[8] (24.4%), followed by G4P[8] (13.3%) and G1P[8] (6.5%). CONCLUSION: These results highlight the frequency and potential severity of rotavirus acute gastroenteritis in pediatric hospital settings. The present study could provide a sufficient database to make a decision related to the introduction of rotavirus vaccine in Tunisian national immunization program.

The concept of first metacarpal M1-M2 arch. New interest in trapeziometacarpal prostheses.

Analysis of the M1-M2 arch, otherwise known as the M1-M2 metacarpal hanger, objectively helps all surgeons treating basal thumb osteoarthritis to fit a trapeziometacarpal prosthesis that respects the physiological length of the thumb column and thus the physiological tensions of the APL, EPL, and EPB tendons as well as the interossei and thenar muscles. Kapandji X-ray views are a gold-standard in the radiological study of basal thumb osteoarthritis, to classify progression, measure trapezium height, and assess the deformity. Ledoux's M1/M2 ratio is the only method for assessing the normal length of the thumb column but cannot be easily used during surgery. We describe the first metacarpal arch, obtained by a radiological anteroposterior X-ray of the hand and wrist with the thumb in 45° abduction. It may be broken or conserved, depending on the form of osteoarthritis. It can objectively predict whether a prosthesis must be placed iso-long or so as to lengthen the thumb column. This overcomes the subjectivity of the notion of "intraoperative piston" and avoids excessive tensioning of the prosthesis, which would increase stress on the prosthetic components and thus the risk of wear and complications. We applied this technical principle to 148 dual mobility prostheses fitted between January 2019 and May 2021. By respecting the arch, the right trade-off is found between intraoperative stability and mobility while protecting the long-term performance of the prosthesis.

[Evolution of group A Rotavirus strains circulating in Tunisia over a 3-year period (2005-2007)]. / Évolution des souches de Rotavirus du groupe A en circulation en Tunisie sur une période de trois ans (2005-2007).

BACKGROUND: Rotaviruses are the most frequent agents associated with diarrhoea in children worldwide. Analysis of mobility of the 11 segments of genomic RNA by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) yields a pattern which is characteristic for a particular rotavirus isolate. The group A rotaviruses can be further characterized by analysis of VP7 and VP4 genes specificities, responsible for rotavirus classification into G and P genotypes, respectively. The aim of the present study was to determine the evolution of group A Rotavirus strains circulating in Tunisia over a 3-year period (2005-2007). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 1503 stool samples collected from children less than five years old, consulting or hospitalised in Tunisia for diarrhoea between 2005 and 2007, were screened for the presence of group A Rotaviruses. Rotavirus-positive specimens were further analyzed by PAGE and G/P-genotyped by multiplex semi-nested RT-PCR. RESULTS: Rotaviruses were detected in 323 stool samples over 1503 (21 %). Long electropherotypes predominated in Tunisia during the whole period of study (N=158 vs N=82 short electropherotypes). VP7 genotyping showed the cocirculation of five different genotypes: G1, G2, G3, G4 and G9. VP4 typing detected four different P-genotypes: P[8], P[4], P[6] and P[11]. Rotavirus strains with G3P[8] specificity were predominating in Tunisia in 2005 and 2006, replaced by G2P[4] strains in 2007.

Relationship between electropherotypes and VP7/VP4 genotypes of group A rotaviruses detected between 2000 and 2007 in Tunisian children.

BACKGROUND: Rotaviruses are the most frequent agents associated with diarrhoea in children worldwide. Analysis of mobility of the 11 segments of genomic RNA by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) yields a pattern which is characteristic for a particular rotavirus isolate. The group A rotaviruses can be further characterized by analysis of VP7 and VP4 genes specificities, responsible for rotavirus classification into G and P genotypes, respectively. The aim of the present study was to detect a relationship between electropherotype pattern and molecular characteristics of the rotavirus strains. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Were analyzed 278 rotavirus-positive specimens by PAGE and G/P-genotyped by multiplex semi-nested RT-PCR. Pearson's correlation tests were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Twelve different electropherotypes were visualized, eight with a long profile (186 cases) and four with a short one (87 cases). Concerning VP7 types, G2 viral strains were found to be predominant and were detected in 91 specimens (32.7%). Strains with G1, G3, G4, G8 and G9 specificities were detected in 62 (22.3%), 82 (29.5%), 13 (4.7%), two (0.7%) and seven cases (2.5%), respectively. The results of VP4 genotyping showed a predominance of P[8] genotype which comprised half of the strains identified (139 cases, 50%). VP4 P[4], P[6] and P[11] were found in 83 (29.9%), 31 (11.1%) and 11 (4.0%) specimens, respectively. A high rate of mixed strains was also found (1.8% mixed electropherotypes, 7.6% G-mixed and 5% P-mixed strains). Electropherotype pattern of rotavirus strains was significantly correlated with VP7 genotype (p=0.018) and with VP4 genotype specificities (p<0.001).

[Acute occlusion with fever in a Tunisian woman]. / Syndrome occlusif fébrite aigu chez une tunisienne.

The purpose of this report is to describe a case of idiopathic segmental infarction of the great omentum, in a Tunisian woman, who presented with acute right hypchondrial pain simulating cholecystitis. Abdominal CT scan is the modality of choice. If symptoms resist medical treatment or complications occur, laparoscopic excision is the best therapeutic technique.

[Granulocytic sarcoma in the mandibular gingiva of an HIV+ patient]. / Sarcome granulocytique gingival mandibulaire chez un patient VIH positif.

INTRODUCTION: The association between malignant tumors and HIV infection is well known. We report a rare case of gingival granulocytic sarcoma (GS) associated to HIV infection. OBSERVATION: A 31 year-old HIV patient consulted for left maxillary tumefaction. His viral load was high (40,112 copies/ml) and CD4 count low (287cells/mm(3)). After biopsy-exeresis, histology and an immunohistochemical study confirmed the diagnosis of GS. Chemotherapy similar to that of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) completed the treatment. The remission was complete at 5 years. DISCUSSION: Only one case of intra-oral GS associated to HIV infection has been reported so far. The clinical and radiological presentation is unspecific. Histology proves the diagnosis. The treatment is comparable to that of AML. The prognosis is usually bad.

[Ghost cell odontogenic carcinoma of the mandible]. / Carcinome odontogénique à cellules fantômes de la mandibule.

INTRODUCTION: Ghost cell odontogenic carcinoma is a rare malignant tumor that occurs both in the mandible and maxilla. It has a variable non-specific clinical and radiological appearance. The authors report a mandibular case. CASE REPORT: A 89-year-old man consulted for swelling of the left lower mandible and gums having developed over the previous 8 months. The lesion was 6cm long, ulcerative and budding, bleeding on contact. Radiological assessment revealed blurred contour osteolysis with extension to the mouth floor and sub-mandibular compartment. Histological examination of the surgical piece supported the diagnosis of ghost cell odontogenic carcinoma. The tumor recurred 2 months later and the patient died 6 months after surgery. DISCUSSION: Ghost cell odontogenic carcinoma is a rare lesion. The patient was very old. Clinical and radiographic signs were unspecific. Histopathology proved the diagnosis. Evolution was unpredictable due to the wide spectrum of growth patterns. Extensive radical surgery is mandatory due to the high risk of recurrence.

Raman Spectroscopy Imaging of Exceptional Electronic Properties in Epitaxial Graphene Grown on SiC.

Graphene distinctive electronic and optical properties have sparked intense interest throughout the scientific community bringing innovation and progress to many sectors of academia and industry. Graphene manufacturing has rapidly evolved since its discovery in 2004. The diverse growth methods of graphene have many comparative advantages in terms of size, shape, quality and cost. Specifically, epitaxial graphene is thermally grown on a silicon carbide (SiC) substrate. This type of graphene is unique due to its coexistence with the SiC underneath which makes the process of transferring graphene layers for devices manufacturing simple and robust. Raman analysis is a sensitive technique extensively used to explore nanocarbon material properties. Indeed, this method has been widely used in graphene studies in fundamental research and application fields. We review the principal Raman scattering processes in SiC substrate and demonstrate epitaxial graphene growth. We have identified the Raman bands signature of graphene for different layers number. The method could be readily adopted to characterize structural and exceptional electrical properties for various epitaxial graphene systems. Particularly, the variation of the charge carrier concentration in epitaxial graphene of different shapes and layers number have been precisely imaged. By comparing the intensity ratio of 2D line and G line-"I2D/IG"-the density of charge across the graphene layers could be monitored. The obtained results were compared to previous electrical measurements. The substrate longitudinal optical phonon coupling "LOOPC" modes have also been examined for several epitaxial graphene layers. The LOOPC of the SiC substrate shows a precise map of the density of charge in epitaxial graphene systems for different graphene layers number. Correlations between the density of charge and particular graphene layer shape such as bubbles have been determined. All experimental probes show a high degree of consistency and efficiency. Our combined studies have revealed novel capacitor effect in diverse epitaxial graphene system. The SiC substrate self-compensates the graphene layer charge without any external doping. We have observed a new density of charge at the graphene-substrate interface. The located capacitor effects at epitaxial graphene-substrate interfaces give rise to an unexpected mini gap in graphene band structure.

Sensitivity of the Inhomogeneous Magnetization Transfer Imaging Technique to Spinal Cord Damage in Multiple Sclerosis.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The inhomogeneous magnetization transfer technique has demonstrated high specificity for myelin, and has shown sensitivity to multiple sclerosis-related impairment in brain tissue. Our aim was to investigate its sensitivity to spinal cord impairment in MS relative to more established MR imaging techniques (volumetry, magnetization transfer, DTI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Anatomic images covering the cervical spinal cord from the C1 to C6 levels and DTI, magnetization transfer/inhomogeneous magnetization transfer images at the C2/C5 levels were acquired in 19 patients with MS and 19 paired healthy controls. Anatomic images were segmented in spinal cord GM and WM, both manually and using the AMU40 atlases. MS lesions were manually delineated. MR metrics were analyzed within normal-appearing and lesion regions in anterolateral and posterolateral WM and compared using Wilcoxon rank tests and z scores. Correlations between MR metrics and clinical scores in patients with MS were evaluated using the Spearman rank correlation. RESULTS: AMU40-based C1-to-C6 GM/WM automatic segmentations in patients with MS were evaluated relative to manual delineation. Mean Dice coefficients were 0.75/0.89, respectively. All MR metrics (WM/GM cross-sectional areas, normal-appearing and lesion diffusivities, and magnetization transfer/inhomogeneous magnetization transfer ratios) were observed altered in patients compared with controls (P < .05). Additionally, the absolute inhomogeneous magnetization transfer ratio z scores were significantly higher than those of the other MR metrics (P < .0001), suggesting a higher inhomogeneous magnetization transfer sensitivity toward spinal cord impairment in MS. Significant correlations with the Expanded Disability Status Scale (ρ = -0.73/P = .02, ρ = -0.81/P = .004) and the total Medical Research Council scale (ρ = 0.80/P = .009, ρ = -0.74/P = .02) were observed for inhomogeneous magnetization transfer and magnetization transfer ratio z scores, respectively, in normal-appearing WM regions, while weaker and nonsignificant correlations were obtained for DTI metrics. CONCLUSIONS: With inhomogeneous magnetization transfer being highly sensitive to spinal cord damage in MS compared with conventional magnetization transfer and DTI, it could generate great clinical interest for longitudinal follow-up and potential remyelinating clinical trials. In line with other advanced myelin techniques with which it could be compared, it opens perspectives for multicentric investigations.

Genomic characterization of human rotavirus G8 strains from the African rotavirus network: relationship to animal rotaviruses.

Global rotavirus surveillance has led to the detection of many unusual human rotavirus (HRV) genotypes. During 1996-2004 surveillance within the African Rotavirus Network (ARN), six P[8],G8 and two P[6],G8 human rotavirus strains were identified. Gene fragments (RT-PCR amplicons) of all 11-gene segments of these G8 strains were sequenced in order to elucidate their genetic and evolutionary relationships. Phylogenetic and sequence analyses of each gene segment revealed high similarities (88-100% nt and 91-100% aa) for all segments except for gene 4 encoding VP4 proteins P[8] and P[6]. For most strains, almost all of the genes of the ARN strains other than neutralizing antigens are related to typical human strains of Wa genogroup. The VP7, NSP2, and NSP5 genes were closely related to cognate genes of animal strains (83-99% and 97-99% aa identity). This study suggests that the ARN G8 strains might have arisen through VP7 or VP4 gene reassortment events since most of the other gene segments resemble those of common human rotaviruses. However, VP7, NSP2 (likely), and NSP5 (likely) genes are derived potentially from animals consistent with a zoonotic introduction. Although these findings help elucidate rotavirus evolution, sequence studies of cognate animal rotavirus genes are needed to conclusively determine the specific origin of those genes relative to both human and animal rotavirus strains.

Detection of the human Parvovirus B19 in nonimmune hydrops fetalis using immunohistochemistry and nested-PCR in formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded placenta and fetal tissues.

The aim of the present study was to determine whether there is an association between Parvovirus B19 infection and hydrops fetalis setting in fetus and neonate. Twenty-nine samples were analyzed by three methods. Each sample was histologically examined for viral nuclear inclusions in fetal organs and placenta, then immunohistochemical study using Parvovirus B19 antibody that recognized the VP2 protein of the Parvovirus B19 capsid was done in tissue embedded in paraffin (lungs, liver, thymus, kidneys, heart and placenta). Nested-PCR analysis was done after DNA extraction from paraffin blocks and using specific primers of the Parvovirus B19 VP1 gene. Apparent causes of hydrops were eliminated such as metabolic diseases, cardiac failure or malformation. The standard histological study objects viral inclusion in one case (lung tissue). However, the immunohistochemical study was negative in all cases. Nested-PCR demonstrates the presence of the viral DNA in five cases. Our study demonstrates that the implication of Parvovirus B19 in hydrops fetalis must be affirmed by the use of more than one method. Nested-PCR is the most sensitive method in our study and can be easily used for the detection of Parvovirus B19 in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues.

[Primary alveolar soft part sarcoma of the lung]. / Sarcome alvéolaire primitif du poumon.

BACKGROUND: Alveolar soft part sarcoma is rare; it mainly appears in the lower extremities in adults and the head and neck in children. Primary pulmonary occurrence of this tumour is exceptional. OBSERVATION: We report a new case in a 49-year-old man who presented with thoracic pain developing over one month. Imaging showed a tumour in the left upper lobe. Diagnosis of primary alveolar sarcoma of the lung was made by histological examination of a biopsy specimen and elimination of a primary soft tissue tumour elsewhere. CONCLUSION: Primary alveolar sarcoma of the lung is exceptionally rare and the diagnosis should only be made after eliminating a soft tissue tumour elsewhere.

[Solitary fibrous tumor of the nasal cavity: an observation report]. / Tumeur fibreuse solitaire de la fosse nasale: à propos d'une observation.

Solitary fibrous tumour is a rare mesenchymal tumour first described in the pleura, but can involve other serosal surfaces and viscera. In the nasal cavity, it is extremely rare. We report a new case in 90-year-old man and discuss the morphologic and evolutive features.

Optimised geometry to calculate dose rate conversion coefficient for external exposure to photons.

A single-parameter geometry to describe soil is achieved for Monte Carlo calculation of absorbed dose rate in air for photon emitters from natural radionuclides. This optimised geometry based on physical assumptions consists of the soil part whose emitted radiation has a given minimum probability to reach the detector. This geometry was implemented in Geant4 toolkit and a significant reduction in computation time was achieved. Simulation tests have shown that for soil represented by a cylinder of 40 m radius and 1 m deep, >98% of the calculated dose rate conversion coefficients in air at 1 m above the ground is generated by only 6% of the soil volume in the case of uniform distribution of radioactivity, and >99.2% of the calculated dose rate for an exponential distribution. When the soil is represented by the entire optimised geometry, 99% of the conversion coefficients values are reached for a soil depth of 1 m and 100% for that of approximately 2 m.

[Detection of Epstein-Barr virus in breast cancers with lymphoid stroma]. / Détection du virus d'Epstein-Barr dans les cancers du sein à stroma lymphoïde.

OBJECTIVE: the purpose of our work is to detect Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in 2 types of breast cancer: medullary carcinoma and high grade invasive ductal carcinoma with lymphoid stroma. PATIENTS AND METHODS: we proceeded to a retrospective study of 18 medullary carcinoma and 18 high grade invasive ductal carcinoma with lymphoid stroma. The detection of the virus was carried out by immunohistochemistry with anti-LMP2 antibody and by hybridization in situ by oligonucleotides EBER1 and EBER1. LMP1 as well as hybridization in situ were positive in 5 tumors (3 medullary carcinoma and 2 high grade invasive ductal carcinoma with lymphoid stroma). RESULTS: positivity was observed in tumor cells and neither in epithelial non tumoral ones nor in lymphoid cells. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: during numerous years, correlations between the replication of EBV and the appearance of a malignant phenotype were limited to nasopharyngeal carcinoma and to lymphoid cells. A controversy regarding the association of EBV with breast cancers has recently been reported in the literature. This cancer being very frequent, the involvement of EBV even in a small proportion of breast cancers could have important implications. Our results suggest a possible implication of EBV in these tumours but other studies are necessary.