Coprevalence of Epstein-Barr Virus, Cytomegalovirus, and Herpes Simplex Virus Type-1 Antibodies Among United States Children and Factors Associated With Their Acquisition.

BACKGROUND: Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), and herpes simplex virus type-1 (HSV-1) infections are common worldwide, but age-specific prevalence of primary infection varies by race or ethnicity and geographical location. Comparing demographic groups could identify factors influencing the rate of acquisition, age-specific antibody prevalence is relevant for determining when to administer prophylactic vaccines, and coprevalence suggests similar risk factors. METHODS: Stored sera collected from the cross-sectional National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys 2003-2004 cycle were tested for EBV, CMV, and HSV-1 antibody. Demographic information was obtained through self-reported questionnaires. Statistical analysis included logistic regression and multivariate analysis adjusting for the multistage cluster design. RESULTS: Overall, 36% of children had antibody against 2 or more of the viruses. Coprevalence with EBV, CMV, and HSV-1 was higher in females, in non-Hispanic blacks, and Mexican Americans, compared with non-Hispanic whites, and in those without health insurance. Antibody prevalence was associated with (1) lower household income and education and (2) greater crowding. Nearly all children with CMV antibody or HSV-1 antibody had been infected with EBV. CONCLUSIONS: There was a disproportionately high prevalence of EBV, CMV, and HSV-1 antibody among Mexican Americans and non-Hispanic blacks, groups with a lower poverty income ratio, and those with less household education. They might benefit from receiving prophylactic herpes vaccines when fairly young. The presence of EBV, CMV, or HSV-1 antibody increases the odds of having antibody against one of the other viruses and is a ripe area for future research.

Age-specific prevalence of Epstein-Barr virus infection among Minnesota children: effects of race/ethnicity and family environment.

BACKGROUND: Primary Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection affects the host differently according to when in life it is acquired. Understanding risk factors for infection could be important for disease prevention, and the age-specific prevalence of infection must be known to optimize use of a prophylactic vaccine. METHODS: Children 18 months to 19.9 years of age who had blood drawn for medical indications during an outpatient visit were eligible. Sera were tested for immunoglobulin G antibodies against EBV viral capsid antigen by enzyme immunoassay. Family demographic and socioeconomic data were obtained via scripted telephone questionnaires. RESULTS: Consent was given for 876 of 914 (96%) subjects approached. Sera were available for 782 of 876 (89%) subjects and demographic/socioeconomic data obtained for 705 (90%) of them. Antibody prevalence, adjusted for age and sex, was as follows: non-Hispanic blacks, 74%; Asians, 62%, multiracial children, 54%; Hispanics, 50%; and non-Hispanic whites, 26%. The pattern of increases in antibody prevalence with age differed significantly by race/ethnicity, and was most divergent in the 2 youngest age groups. Adjusted EBV antibody prevalence decreased with greater household education among non-Hispanic whites, but was not associated with any other socioeconomic factor. In 42 of 51 (82%) families with >1 child in the study, the siblings' EBV antibody status was concordant (bootstrap P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Racial/ethnic differences in EBV antibody prevalence and concordance of antibody status among siblings prompt us to speculate that both genetics and family environment contribute to acquisition of EBV infection. The ideal age to give a prophylactic vaccine may differ according to race/ethnicity.