Epstein-Barr virus infection in healthy population in Guangzhou: an investigation-based analysis

Objective To determine the Epstein-Barr virus(EBV) infection in healthy population in Guangzhou.Methods A total of 217 935 healthy individuals who received health check-up in The General Hospital of Guangzhou Military Command between January 2007 and December 2011 underwent screening of EBVCA-IgA antibody via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.This was followed by comparison on positive rate of both sexes,within the 5 years and at various age groups(≤29 years,30-35 years,40-49 years and ≥50 years).Results Of 217 935 individuals assayed,4667(2.14％) were positive to EB-VCA-IgA antibody.The positive rate differed significantly(P=0.000) between males(1.87％,2547/135 985) and females (2120/81 950,2.59％)and varied within the 5 years (x2=576.054,P=0.000).The positive rate of EB-VCA-IgA antibody varied among different age groups(P=0.000),and increased with the age.Conclusions EB virus infection can be found in a subgroup of healthy population in Guangzhou.A higher incidence of EBV infection is mostly associated with healthy individuals aged ＞40 years. Key words: Herpesvirus 4, human;  Antibodies, viral;  Healthy population;  Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay