Seroprevalence of Epstein Barr IgG antibody among patients presenting at a tertiary hospital in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Iheanyi Omezuruike Okonko 1, *, Chisom Chibudum Adim 1, Hope Chioma Innocent Adiele 1, Tochi Ifeoma Cookey 2 and Blessing Jachinma Okonko 2

1 Virus Research Unit, Department of Microbiology, University of Port Harcourt, Choba, P.M.B. 5323, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, 500102 Nigeria.
2 Virology & Immunology Research Unit, Department of Applied Microbiology, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Nigeria.
 
Research Article
International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research Updates, 2022, 04(01), 001–007.
Article DOI: 10.53430/ijmru.2022.4.1.0061
Publication history: 
Received on 14 October 2022; revised on 24 November 2022; accepted on 26 November 2022
 
Abstract: 
Epstein Barr virus (EBV) has become increasingly recognized as one of the causes of cancer in humans and in Nigeria, its seroepidemiology, has not been fully elucidated. EBV vaccination is not a part of the Expanded Programme of Immunization (EPI) therefore, immunization against the virus is non-existent. This study was conducted to assess the seroprevalence of EBNA IgG antibody in patients in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Demographic data and sera were collected from 80 consenting patients of different gender and ages from the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Rivers State. Their sera were screened for EBV IgG antibodies using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit (DIA.PRO Diagnostic Bioprobes, Milano). Of the 80 sera evaluated for EBV Immunoglobulin G antibody, 68 (85%) were positive and 12 (15%) were negative. Seropositivity rate was higher in males (89.3%) than in females (82.9%). Patients within 21-25years had the highest prevalence rate of 87.2%. Age and gender were not significantly associated with the seroprevalence of EBNA IgG antibodies. From the result, the immunity gap in the population is significant. Hence, there is need for vaccination of susceptible individuals in order to ensure the control and elimination of Epstein Barr virus in Nigeria.
 
Keywords: 

Epstein Barr virus; IgG antibody; Seroprevalence; ELISA

 
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