Prevalence of Epstein-Barr virus antibodies in healthy children and adolescents in Vitória, State of Espírito Santo, Brazil

The prevalence and age distribution of Epstein-Barr virus infection varies in different populations and there is little information about the epidemiology of this infection in Brazil. We studied the prevalence of EBV antibodies in a sample of 283 children and adolescents between 1 and 21 years old. The sample was taken from two neighborhoods in Vitória (capital city of Espirito Santo, Brazil). The São Pedro (SP) neighborhood represented an area with lower socioeconomic status and the Praias (P) neighborhood represented an area with higher SES. Anti-VCA (Virus Capsid Antigen) antibodies were detected by ELISA and anti-EBNA (Epstein-Barr Nuclear Antigen) antibodies were detected by an anti-complement immunofluorescence method, both using commercial kits. The results showed an overall prevalence rates of anti-VCA and anti-EBNA of 71% and 54% respectively. The prevalence for both anti-EBV antibodies was higher and probably the infection occurred earlier in the SP neighborhood. Among the various socioeconomic factors studied only low family income and maternal education level were significantly correlated with a higher frequency of positive serology for anti-VCA. These results demonstrate that there is a high prevalence of EBV antibodies in children and adolescents living in Vitória, that occurs more frequently at a younger age in children from families with low socioeconomic status. In addition, the results demonstrate an intermediate age distribution pattern between those reported in developed and underdeveloped countries.

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Primary Epstein–Barr Virus Infection in Healthy Children in Saudi Arabia: A Single Hospital-Based Study

Journal of Tropical Pediatrics ◽

10.1093/tropej/fmaa121 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Ahmed Zaki

Keyword(s):

Early Childhood ◽

Saudi Arabia ◽

Epstein Barr Virus ◽

Age Groups ◽

Epstein Barr Virus Infection ◽

Healthy Children ◽

Atypical Symptoms ◽

Barr Virus ◽

Ebv Infection ◽

Epstein Barr

Abstract Background Primary Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infection presents typically with features of infectious mononucleosis (IM) but it may present with atypical symptoms. We aim to evaluate the epidemiological, clinical and laboratory characteristics of primary EBV infection in children in western Saudi Arabia. Methods A retrospective analysis of the electronic data of all children who were admitted to the hospital and were tested for EBV-viral capsid antigen (VCA) IgM in the period from 1 January 2018 to 31 December 2019. All data of the children with positive EBV-VCA IgM were collected. Patients were divided into two groups; IM and the non-typical presentations groups. Results Fort-two patients had positive EBV-VCA IgM; 71% had IM and 29% had non-typical presentations. IM was more common in early childhood (46.7%). The non-typical presentations were more in infants below 1 year (50%). Adolescents were less affected (6.7% and 16.7%, respectively). Time to diagnose EBV in the non-typical presentations group was longer than IM group; [3.4 (3.2–4.6) vs. 4.7 (4.1–5.5), p = 0.039]. The total leucocytes count was higher in the IM syndrome group compared to the non-typical presentation group [11 (10.3–17.7) vs. 5.5 (4.5–6.4), p < 0.0001]. Conclusions Primary EBV infection in healthy children in Saudi Arabia occurs more frequently in the younger age groups. IM syndrome occurs more frequently in early childhood. The non-typical presentation occurs more frequently in infants. While adolescents are less commonly affected by primary EBV.

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