Seroprevalence of Epstein-Barr virus antibody among children in various age groups in Bangkok, Thailand.

There are no current data on previous Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infections in different age groups of Thai children. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of anti-EBV IgG antibody in healthy children of various age ranges in Bangkok, Thailand. Between June and December 1998, blood samples were collected from 425 volunteers aged 6 months to 15 years who attended a well baby clinic in the northern suburban part of Bangkok, Thailand. Serum samples were assayed for specific anti-EBV IgG antibodies using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. The percentage of children with positive anti-EBV IgG antibody increased with advancing age. The overall seropositivity rate was 72.7%. Children with anti-EBV IgG antibody were significantly older than those without the antibody. Seronegative children were reared at home significantly more frequently than seropositive children. These seroopidemiologic data will guide calculation of the appropriate age for administration of an EBV vaccine to children, when it becomes available.