Seroepidemiological Study of Epstein-Barr Virus in Different Population Groups in Croatia.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is one of the most common viruses found in humans, causing lifelong infection in up to 95% of the world population.

OBJECTIVES:

To analyze the seroprevalence of EBV infection in different population groups in Croatia.

METHODS:

During a 2 year period (2015-2016), a total of 2022 consecutive serum samples collected from Croatian residents were tested for the presence of EBV-specific viral capsid antigen (VCA) immunoglobulin M (IgM) and IgG antibodies using an enzyme-linked immunoassay. IgM/IgG-positive samples were further tested for IgG avidity.

RESULTS:

The overall prevalence of EBV IgG antibodies was 91.4%. Females had significantly higher IgG seroprevalence than males (93.1% vs. 89.9%, P = 0.008). According to age, IgG seropositivity increased progressively from 59.6% in children age < 9 years to 98.3% in 30-39 year olds, and remained stable thereafter (P < 0.001). The IgG seroprevalence differed significantly among groups: 68.1% in children/adolescents and 95.9% in adults; multiple sclerosis (100%), hemodialysis patients (97.7%), heart transplant recipients (93.8%), hematological malignancies (91.2%), and Crohn's disease (88.5%), P < 0.001. IgM antibodies were detected in 9% of participants. Using IgG avidity, recent primary EBV infection was documented in 83.8% of IgM-positive subjects < 9 years old, 69.2% age 10-19, 33.3% age 20-29, and 3.6-4.2% > 40. All IgM positive participants > 40 years showed high IgG avidity. Logistic regression showed that age is associated with EBV IgG seropositivity.

CONCLUSIONS:

EBV is widespread in the Croatian population. Older age appears to be the main risk factor for EBV seropositivity.

• Authors: Nataša Beader, Branko Kolarić, Domagoj Slačanac, Irena Tabain, Tatjana Vilibić-Čavlek
• Journal: The Israel Medical Association journal : IMAJ (Isr Med Assoc J) Vol. 20 Issue 2 Pg. 86-90 (Feb 2018) ISSN: 1565-1088 [Print] Israel
• PMID: 29431301 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Antibodies, Viral
• Antigens, Viral
• Capsid Proteins
• Epstein-Barr viral capsid antigen
• Immunoglobulin G
• Immunoglobulin M

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Age Factors
• Antibodies, Viral (blood)
• Antigens, Viral (blood)
• Capsid Proteins (blood)
• Child
• Croatia (epidemiology)
• Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
• Epstein-Barr Virus Infections (blood, epidemiology)
• Female
• Herpesvirus 4, Human (isolation & purification)
• Humans
• Immunoglobulin G (blood)
• Immunoglobulin M (blood)
• Logistic Models
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Risk Factors
• Seroepidemiologic Studies
• Young Adult