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Published on: November 8, 2011
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Primary Epstein-Barr virus infection in preadolescent children: A prospective study
Laurel E Cederberg1, Jennifer M Geris2, Mee Chang1
1HealthPartners Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, 2500 Como Avenue, Saint Paul, MN 55108, USA.
Summary
Primary Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection is common in preadolescents, often missed by parents and doctors. Early EBV vaccination could prevent associated cancers and autoimmune diseases.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Vaccinology
Background:
- Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) causes infectious mononucleosis and is linked to cancers and autoimmune disorders.
- A prophylactic EBV vaccine could prevent these conditions, but primary EBV infection (pEBV) incidence in children is unknown.
- We hypothesized pEBV is significant but often undiagnosed in preadolescents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of primary EBV infection (pEBV) in preadolescent children.
- To assess the clinical significance and diagnostic challenges of pEBV in this age group.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of children aged 1.5-11.99 years at a pediatric clinic.
- Screening for EBV IgG antibodies using oral swabs to identify EBV-naïve children.
- Follow-up of EBV-naïve participants every 3 months for pEBV detection.
Main Results:
- 210 of 291 children screened were EBV-naïve; 181 enrolled.
- 11 cases of pEBV documented over 119.8 person-years, with an incidence of 9.2 cases/100 person-years.
- Higher pEBV incidence observed in Asian, Black, and Latino children compared to White children; 5 cases were symptomatic.
Conclusions:
- Preadolescent pEBV incidence exceeds that of other vaccine-preventable diseases.
- Diagnosis of pEBV is frequently missed, highlighting a need for increased awareness.
- This study supports administering an EBV vaccine to preadolescents for disease prevention.
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