A SURVEY OF EPSTEIN - BARR VIRUS (EBV) INFECTION IN CHILDREN AND ADULTS IN TEHRAN

Abstract

A serological survey was carried out to determine the incidence of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection in childhood and adolescence in Tehran during 1996-1997. Sera from 480 children £ 14 years old and 740 males and females 15-40 years of age were investigated for EBV IgG antibodies to the viral caspid antigen (VCA) by an enzyme-linked lmmunosorbant assay (ELISA). The incidence of EBV Infection increased from 50% at £ 3 years of age to about 70% in the 4-6 years old group, was stationary at the age of 7-14 years, and then increased old further progressively with age, to reach more than 90% in males and females by age ³ 40 years. There was a significant increase in incidence of infection with age (P<0.001), and no significant sex difference. The study indicates that infection with EBV has a rather early and widespread occurrence in Tehran compared with other developing areas.