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Prevalence of antibody to Epstein-Barr virus DNase in children
1Department of Bacteriology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Republic of China.
Insights
This study found 5.6% of children under 15 in Taipei had Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-specific DNase antibodies. Maternal EBV antibodies decreased rapidly after birth, with new antibodies appearing after natural EBV infection.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a common human herpesvirus.
- Antibodies to EBV-specific DNase can indicate past or present infection.
- Understanding antibody prevalence in children is crucial for assessing EBV epidemiology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of antibodies to Epstein-Barr virus-specific DNase in children under 15 years old in Taipei, Taiwan.
- To compare antibody levels in children to those in adults.
- To investigate the dynamics of maternal and infant antibodies to EBV DNase.
Main Methods:
- Enzyme neutralization test was used to detect anti-DNase antibodies.
- Serum samples from 1,292 children under 15 from Taipei were analyzed.
- Antibody positivity was defined as the ability of 1 ml of serum to neutralize >= 2 units of DNase activity.
Main Results:
- 5.6% of the 1,292 children tested had anti-EBV DNase antibodies.
- The prevalence in children was similar to that observed in adults.
- Maternal antibodies against EBV DNase diminished rapidly within 2 months postpartum.
- New antibodies emerged following natural EBV infection in infants.
Conclusions:
- The prevalence of anti-EBV DNase antibodies in children under 15 in Taipei is similar to adults.
- Maternal antibodies wane quickly, necessitating endogenous antibody production upon EBV exposure.
- Natural EBV infection is the primary driver for developing specific antibodies in early childhood.
Abstract:
Antibodies to Epstein-Barr-virus-specific DNase in children under 15 years old from Taipei, Taiwan were determined by an enzyme neutralization test. Serum was taken as positive for the anti-DNase antibody when 1 ml of serum could neutralize > or = 2 units of the DNase activity. Among the 1,292 sera tested, 5.6% of the children were shown to have anti-EBV DNase antibodies, a result similar to that for adults. Maternal antibodies against the EBV DNase were found to decrease very rapidly 2 months after the child's birth, and new antibody appeared upon natural EBV infection.