A Large-Scale Seroprevalence of Epstein-Barr Virus in Taiwan |
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| Authors: | Chao-Yu Chen Kuan-Ying A Huang Jen-Hsiang Shen Kuo-Chien Tsao Yhu-Chering Huang |
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| Institution: | 1. College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.; 2. Division of Pediatric Infectious Disease, Department of Pediatrics, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan.; 3. Department of Laboratory Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan.; University of Hong Kong, HONG KONG, |
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| Abstract: | BackgroundEpstein-Barr virus (EBV) causes a variety of clinical manifestations from asymptomatic infection to acute infectious mononucleosis in human. Moreover, the EBV infection is associated with malignancies. The large-scale EBV seroepidemiology across all age groups has been lacking in Taiwan.MethodsA total of 1411 serum samples were tested to examine the seroprevalence of EBV in 2007. The samples were collected during an island-wide seroepidemiological survey of vaccine preventable diseases in Taiwan. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was performed to detect anti-EBV viral capsid IgG in sera. Demographic and personal health data were obtained by questionnaires.ResultsThe overall weighted seropositive rate of EBV was 88.5% (95% CI, 86.7%–90.1%). The seropositive rate of EBV reached 52.8% (95% CI, 44.0%–61.6%) in children aged 2 years, rapidly rose to 88.7% (95% CI, 79.0%–95.1%) in those aged 5–7 years and 93.0% (95%CI, 83.0%-98.1%) for those aged 14–16 years. Age and higher educational level were associated with the increased EBV seropositive rate.ConclusionIn Taiwan, people had the EBV infection early in life. Children under 7 years should be the primary target popution of public health measures in the future. |
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