[Serological study of the occurrence of Herpesviridae in French Guyana]

300 samples of serum (in seven age-groups) from the "creole" population of french Guiana were tested for antibodies to the four human herpesviruses (HSV, VZV, CMV and EBV). Results show the higher prevalence of CMV and EBV in early childhood, HSV primary infection appears to take place earlier in life than in temperate and developed countries, but later than in other tropical countries. The pattern of VZV epidemiology in french Guiana is consistent with what is known in tropical countries: varicella is also a disease of adolescents and young adults. CMV appears to be more prevalent in women than in men between 21 and 40.