Age-specific prevalence of Epstein-Barr virus infection among individuals aged 6-19 years in the United States and factors affecting its acquisition

J Infect Dis. 2013 Oct 15;208(8):1286-93. doi: 10.1093/infdis/jit321. Epub 2013 Jul 18.

Abstract

Background: Data on the age-specific prevalence of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection are relevant for determining when to administer a prophylactic vaccine. Comparison of demographic groups could identify factors associated with its acquisition.

Methods: The National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) examine a representative sample of the US population. Serum specimens from NHANES participants 6-19 years old were tested for EBV antibody by enzyme immunoassay (EIA). A random portion was also tested by indirect immunofluorescence (IFA). Prevalence estimates and risk-factor comparisons used demographic data and sampling weights in logistic regression models.

Results: Serum specimens collected between 2003 and 2010 from 9338 individuals participating in NHANES were tested. The concordance between EIA and IFA findings was 96.7%. The overall age-adjusted EBV antibody prevalence declined from 72% in 2003-2004 to 65% in 2009-2010 (P = .027). The prevalence in 2009-2010 by age group was as follows: 6-8 years, 50%; 9-11 years, 55%; 12-14 years, 59%; 15-17 years, 69%; and 18-19 years, 89%. Within each race/ethnicity group, younger age, health insurance coverage, higher household income, and education level were significantly associated with a lower prevalence of EBV antibody.

Conclusions: The EBV antibody prevalence declined in US individuals aged 6-19 years from 2003-2004 to 2009-2010, mainly because of the decrease among non-Hispanic white participants. The declining antibody prevalence over time and the consistently high observed prevalence among participants aged 12-19 years support broad use of EBV vaccine before 12 years of age.

Keywords: Epstein–Barr virus (EBV); age-specific EBV antibody prevalence; epidemiology of EBV infections.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Age Factors
  • Antibodies, Viral / blood
  • Child
  • Epstein-Barr Virus Infections / blood
  • Epstein-Barr Virus Infections / epidemiology*
  • Epstein-Barr Virus Infections / immunology
  • Female
  • Herpesvirus 4, Human / immunology
  • Herpesvirus 4, Human / isolation & purification*
  • Humans
  • Immunoenzyme Techniques
  • Male
  • Prevalence
  • Seroepidemiologic Studies
  • United States / epidemiology
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Antibodies, Viral