Age-specific Epstein-Barr virus seroprevalence in Costa Rica

Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) is a common herpesvirus linked to cancers and autoimmune diseases. The age, socioeconomic status and geographic distribution of EBV infection are varied. This study evaluated age-specific EBV antibody prevalence in Costa Rica among 2,990 participants in a population-based cohort that enrolled in 2020/1. Seropositivity prevalence was age-dependent, with rates over 80% in adolescents, and higher than 90% in adults 20 + . Geometric mean levels (GML) of antibodies among seropositives also rose with age, peaking in older adults. The age at seroconversion was slightly younger in boys than in girls and for individuals in rural/mixed areas, but seropositivity of 90% or more was found in both sexes and all regions of residence in adults. Among seropositives, there was a tendency for women to have higher GML compared with men. Our findings provide information regarding the age-specific distribution of EBV in Costa Rica, which is useful for planning future health measures to reduce the burden of EBV-associated conditions.