Abstract

VAZQUEZ, Romina et al. Seroepidemiology of Epstein-Barr virus among university students from Alto Paraná, Paraguay. Rev. cient. cienc. salud [online]. 2023, vol.5, e5126.  Epub Nov 17, 2023. ISSN 2664-2891.  https://doi.org/10.53732/rccsalud/2023.e5126.

Introduction. Infections by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is the most common cause of infectious mononucleosis and is also linked to multiple cancers. The prevalence of EBV infection varies in different populations and there is no publication about the epidemiology of this infection in Paraguay. Objective. To describe the seroprevalence among university students and associated sociodemographic characteristics. Material and Methods. Cross-sectional study in students from a public university in Alto Paraná, Paraguay. A total of 101 participants were recruited through consecutive sampling. A questionnaire was applied and blood samples were obtained. Antibodies were determined by Epstein-Barr Virus IgG anti-VCA capture ELISA method, and factors associated with seropositivity were evaluated. Results. The overall seropositivity was 89,1% (90/101), which was associated (p<0,025) with low socioeconomic status (93,4% vs 76%, OR: 4.9 [95% CI: 1.2 - 16.3]). Conclusion. The seroprevalence to EBV is high in college students which is associated to low socioeconomic condition.

Keywords : seroepidemiologic studies; antibodies; Epstein-Barr virus infections; students; Paraguay.

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