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The study aims to assess the serological status of Epstein-Barr virus in adults by detecting specific antibodies.

June 21, 2026Open Access

An investigation of the Epstein-Barr virus serological status in the adult population

Key Points

The study aims to assess the serological status of Epstein-Barr virus in adults by detecting specific antibodies.
Serum samples from 58 adults were tested for EBV antibodies using ELISA kits.
Participants were classified based on their serological profile: primary, latent, or reactivation.
Age and gender distributions were analyzed to assess seroprevalence.
89.5% of serum samples tested positive for EBV antibodies, increasing with age.
81% of patients had a profile of latent EBV infection, while 3.4% had primary and 1.7% had indeterminate profiles.
No significant differences were noted in antibody titers across age groups or genders.

Abstract

Introduction: Epstein-Barr virus is a ubiquitous virus from the family Herpesviridae, with seroprevalence 90% of the world population. Primary infection is asymptomatic or in the form of infectious mononucleosis, depending on the age and immune status. The EBV establishes a latent infection in B-lymphocytes with occasional reactivation, and because of its oncogenic potential, there is an association with numerous malignancies. Data on the EBV seroprevalence in our population is scarce. Aim: The study aims to investigate the EBV serological status in the adult population by detecting specific antibodies against viral antigens. Material and methods: Serum samples of 58 individuals (age: 30.8 ± 13.7 years; gender: M = 41.4%, F = 58.6%) were tested with commercial ELISA kits (Euroimmun, Germany) for the presence of four antibodies against EBV (anti-VCA-IgM, anti-VCA-IgG, anti-EA-IgG, anti-EBNA-IgG). Based on recommendations from the literature, every patient was, depending on serology results, classified in an appropriate profile of EBV infection (primary, latent, or reactivation). Results: In the 89.5% serum samples, antibodies against EBV were detected, with an increasing trend of seropositive patients with age, from 87% seropositive samples in the population 18 - 30 years, to 94.7% in the ≥ 31 age group. The profile of latent infection was detected in 81% of patients, 3.4% profile of primary infection, 3.4% profile of reactivated infection and 1.7% of indeterminate profile. There was no significant difference (p 0.05) between titers of anti-VCA-IgG or anti-EBNA-IgG antibodies in different age groups, nor between genders. The significant difference was not found (p 0.05) in the number of EBV seropositive samples between genders nor between age groups. Conclusion: The study showed a high rate of latent EBV infection of 81%, which stipulates a high grade of EBV infection in the studied population. No difference in the seroprevalence among genders was found, nor among different age groups. Follow-up investigation of EBV seroprevalence in our population is needed in order to monitor the number of reactivated infections and the development of malignancies associated with EBV.

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