EBV Seroconversion and Mononucleosis

In a prospective study, 25% of EBV seroconverters developed infectious mononucleosis; such illness was linked to infection with EBV type 1.

Infectious mononucleosis (IM) is common among adolescents and young adults in Western countries. The symptoms of IM are presumed to be due to cytokine release from Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-specific activated T lymphocytes. The risk factors for developing IM (rather than asymptomatic seroconversion) after EBV infection have not been determined. Now that an EBV vaccine has entered phase II clinical trials, researchers sought to define these factors to inform development of an evidence-based vaccination program.

Blood samples for EBV serology were obtained from 2006 students newly enrolled at Edinburgh University in 1999 and 2000. Of the 510 students who were initially seronegative (25%), 241 provided a second blood sample and answered a lifest…

Reviewing Author

Neil M. Ampel, MD