Active EBV infection in children: associations between DNA load, infection status, immune status, and disease severity.

ABSTRACT:

Background

This study investigated active Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection in children and examined the associations among EBV deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) load, infection types, disease severity, and immune characteristics.

Methods

A total of 35,956 pediatric patients who underwent EBV DNA load testing were included. Patients were categorized based on their EBV DNA levels and infection status.

Results

Spearman's rank correlation analysis revealed a positive association between EBV DNA levels and the mortality rate, as well as the incidence rates of acute kidney injury (AKI), respiratory failure, cardiovascular complications, coagulation abnormalities, and liver injury. Mortality risk significantly increased when EBV DNA exceeded 1 × 10⁵ copies/mL (adjuste

SUBMITTER: Yan H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12016451 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature