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Seroprevalence of Epstein-Barr virus infection in Thai children
C Pancharoen1, P Bhatrarakosol, U Thisyakorn
1Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.
Insights
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) IgG antibody seroprevalence in Thai children increases with age, reaching over 90% by age six. Home-reared children showed lower infection rates.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a common human herpesvirus.
- Understanding EBV seroprevalence is crucial for assessing population immunity and disease burden.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the seroprevalence of anti-EBV IgG antibody in healthy hospitalized children in Bangkok, Thailand.
- To analyze the relationship between EBV seroprevalence and age, and other factors like rearing environment.
Main Methods:
- A hospital-based cross-sectional survey was conducted.
- Data collected from 589 healthy hospitalized children aged 0-15 years.
- Anti-EBV IgG antibody levels were measured.
Main Results:
- Overall EBV seroprevalence was 68.4% (excluding infants under 6 months).
- Seroprevalence increased significantly with age, reaching 92.3% in the 6-8 year group.
- Children reared at home exhibited lower seroprevalence rates compared to others.
Conclusions:
- EBV infection seroprevalence rises progressively with age in children.
- High EBV seroprevalence is achieved by age six in this population.
- Rearing environment may influence EBV exposure or infection dynamics.
Abstract:
A hospital-based cross-sectional survey was conducted in Bhumibol Adulyadej Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand between January and December 1997 to study the seroprevalence of anti-EBV IgG antibody in previously healthy hospitalized children aged 0-15 years. Of 589 cases, there were 327 boys and 262 girls with a mean age of 3.9 years. The seroprevalence of EBV infection was 50.4, 72.8, 92.3, 96.6 and 97.6 per cent in children at the age range of 0-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-11 and 12-14 years, respectively. After excluding infants below 6 months of age, the total seroprevalence rate was 68.4 per cent. The age of children with positive anti-EBV IgG antibody was significantly higher than that of children with negative antibody. Children who were reared at home had lower seroprevalence rates. In conclusion, seroprevalence of EBV infection increased with advancing age and reached 90 per cent or more after 6 years of age.