title: [Age distribution of serological profiles of Epstein-Barr virus infection: review of results from a diagnostic laboratory].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The objective of this study was to examine the distribution of serological profiles of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection according to age.
  
  
  METHODS
  We retrospectively review EBV specific antibody determinations performed at our hospital between 2003 and 2004.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The distribution of acute EBV infection by age showed a bimodal pattern, with peaks at the age of 2-4 years and 14-18 years. Among the 21-30 year-old age group, there was a higher percentage of seronegative men than women. Seroprevalence in patients aged 31 years or more was 99%.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Most primary EBV infections occur in early childhood or adolescence. The increase in seroprevalence takes place at an earlier age in females than in males. EBV seroprevalence in adult patients is very high.
authors.affiliation: Laboratorio de Microbiología, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Albacete, España.
authors.forename: Macarena
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Pariente
authors.forename: Joaquín
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Bartolomé
authors.forename: Santiago
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Lorente
authors.forename: María Dolores
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Crespo
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D017668:Age of Onset; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000914:Antibodies, Viral / Q000097:blood; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D019411:Clinical Laboratory Techniques / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D020031:Epstein-Barr Virus Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D004854:Herpesvirus 4, Human / Q000276:immunology; D006785:Hospitals, University / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007755:Laboratories, Hospital / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016036:Seroepidemiologic Studies; D017678:Sex Distribution; D013030:Spain / Q000453:epidemiology
chemical_list: D000914:Antibodies, Viral