Seroepidemiological study of Epstein-Barr virus in different population groups in Croatia

Scientific paper - Original scientific paper

• Author: Nataša Beader
• Author: Branko Kolarić
• Author: Domagoj Slačanac
• Author: Irena Tabain
• Author: Tatjana Vilibić-Čavlek
• Author's institution: University of Zagreb; School of Medicine
• Scientific / art field, discipline and subdiscipline: BIOMEDICINE AND HEALTHCARE; Public Health and Health Care

Abstract (english)

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.

• Keywords (english): 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; Epstein-Barr Virus Infections/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
• Language: english
• Publication type: Scientific paper - Original scientific paper
• Publication status: Published
• Peer review: Peer review
• Publication version: Published version
• Journal title: The Israel Medical Association Journal
• Numbering: vol. 20, no. 2, pp. 86-90
• p-ISSN: 0021-2180
• URN:NBN: urn:nbn:hr:105:730501
• Publication: 2018-02
• Document URL: https://www.ima.org.il/FilesUploadPublic/IMAJ/0/272/136222.pdf
• Type of resource: Text
• Access conditions: Open access
• Created on: 2024-03-28 10:20:43