Detection of Herpes Simplex Virus in Lymphoid Tissues Using Immunohistochemistry: Evidence from Western Saudi Arabia

Faris M Elmahdi, Dania Albader, Mona Al-Husseini

Abstract: Background: Lymphomas, a heterogeneous group of hematologic malignancies, have been linked to several oncogenic viruses. While Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) are well-documented in lymphomagenesis, the potential role of Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) remains poorly understood. This study investigates the presence of HSV in lymphoma tissues using immunohistochemistry (IHC) in patients from Madinah, Saudi Arabia. Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study analyzed 66 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue blocks from lymphoma patients diagnosed between March 2024 and June 2025. Immunohistochemical staining was performed using anti-HSV antibodies to detect viral antigens. Data on patient demographics, sample site, lymphoma subtype, and HSV status were statistically analyzed using SPSS version 21. Results: Of the 66 lymphoma cases, 12 (18.2%) were HSV-positive. HSV was detected more frequently in males (75%) than females (25%). The majority of HSV-positive patients (66.7%) were between 40 and 60 years of age. Hodgkin lymphoma accounted for 4 of the HSV-positive cases, while 8 were found in non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Lymph nodes were the most common site of HSV detection (50%). No HSV positivity was observed in abdominal mass samples. Conclusion: The detection of HSV antigens in a subset of lymphoma cases suggests a possible association between HSV infection and lymphomagenesis. Although a definitive causal relationship cannot be established, these findings highlight the need for further molecular studies to clarify HSV's role in the pathogenesis of lymphoid malignancies, particularly in regions with diverse viral epidemiology such as Western Saudi Arabia.

Keywords: Herpes Simplex Virus, Lymphoma, Immunohistochemistry, Viral Oncology, Saudi Arabia

How to Cite?: Faris M Elmahdi, Dania Albader, Mona Al-Husseini, "Detection of Herpes Simplex Virus in Lymphoid Tissues Using Immunohistochemistry: Evidence from Western Saudi Arabia", Volume 14 Issue 8, August 2025, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 136-139, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR25801113504, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR25801113504