Behavioral, virologic, and immunologic factors associated with acquisition and severity of primary Epstein-Barr virus infection in university students.

ABSTRACT:

Background

University students were studied prospectively to determine the incidence of and risk factors for acquisition of primary Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection and the virologic and immune correlates of disease severity.

Methods

EBV antibody-negative freshmen participated in monthly surveillance until graduation. If antibodies developed, proximate samples were assayed for viral load by polymerase chain reaction. Lymphocyte and natural killer (NK) cell numbers and activation were measured by flow cytometry, and plasma cytokine levels were measured by a multiplex assay.

Results

Of 546 students screened, 202 (37%) were antibody negative; 143 antibody-negative students were enrolled. During a median of 3 years of observation, 66 subjects experienced primary infecti

SUBMITTER: Balfour HH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3523797 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature