EBV DNA load in the saliva of healthy people in south-eastern Poland

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is widespread in the world's population. Transmitted mainly through saliva, the EBV virus infects the epithelial cells of the oropharynx, where it can replicate, establishing latency in B lymphocytes. Many authors analyse EBV viremia in saliva as a possible biomarker of various diseases. The aim of the study is to analyse the frequency and level of EBV viremia in the saliva of a healthy population of children and adults. The level of anti-EBV antibodies and a possible correlation between EBV viral load in saliva and antibody titres in serum were also examined.

The study involved 66 healthy people, including 22 children aged 5-10 and 44 adults. EBV DNA was isolated from the saliva of all patients, and the presence and level of EBV DNA was detected using the qPCR method. Anti-EBV antibodies in serum were detected by ELISA.

The higher percentage of positive results was detected in children aged 5-10 (81.8%) and a smaller percentage in adults aged 20-49 (75.0%), this difference was not statistically significant. EBV DNA was most often detected in adults aged 50-70 (85.7%). The mean level of EBVCA IgG antibodies was similar in both age groups. Similarly, no difference in EBNA-1 antibody titers was observed between younger and older groups of adult patients. In three healthy people, despite the presence of EBV DNA in saliva, no anti-EBVCA or EBNA-1 antibodies were detected.

The prevalence of EBV DNA in the healthy population ranged from 75% - 85.7%. Additionally, no correlation was observed between the EBV load in saliva and the titer of tested antibodies in the serum of healthy people.