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Although Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) mononucleosis is among the most thoroughly investigated viral infections, many basic details of its pathogenesis and epidemiology remain poorly understood. To study the events surrounding primary EBV infection, Minnesota researchers screened more than 500 college freshman and identified a cohort of 143 seronegative students who were then followed prospectively until graduation; blood and throat wash samples were collected at clinic visits at least every 8 weeks.
During a median of 3 years' surveillance, 66 students (46%) developed primary EBV infections, with incidence of infection during freshman year more than twice that of the other 3 years combined. Exercise, stress, and diet were not risks for infection…