Declining Epstein-Barr Virus Antibody Prevalence in College Freshmen Strengthens the Rationale for a Prophylactic EBV Vaccine

Background: To better understand the epidemiology of primary Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection and to identify EBV-naive candidates eligible to receive a prophylactic EBV vaccine, we screened freshmen from the University of Minnesota Class of 2025 for circulating EBV antibody, which is indicative of previous infection. This permitted us to compare their EBV antibody prevalence with that of 4 other freshman classes (Classes of 2010, 2011, 2016, 2021) that have been previously published. Methods: Freshman students were recruited during screening sessions in the residence halls. Venous blood was collected and the serum fraction tested for IgG antibody against EBV viral capsid antigen (VCA IgG) using commercial enzyme immunoassays. Results: All classes combined, 1196 participants were tested (female, 677; male, 513; did not identify gender, 6) who were 18-23 years old (median, 18; mean, 18.37). The EBV VCA IgG antibody prevalence was 58% (689/1196) and was higher in women than men. The EBV antibody prevalence of 64% (170/267) in the 2010 freshman class versus 52% (78/150) in the Class of 2025 was statistically significantly different (p = 0.0223, Fisher exact test). Conclusions: Sufficient participants are available for a prophylactic vaccine trial. Antibody prevalence decreased over 15 years from 64% to 52%. If this trend continues, the number of EBV-naive adolescents and young adults who are in the age group most susceptible to infectious mononucleosis will increase, strengthening the rationale to develop an effective prophylactic EBV vaccine.

Automated summary

By screening freshmen from the University of Minnesota, we found a decrease in the prevalence of EBV antibody over the past 15 years, which may increase the number of adolescents and young adults susceptible to infectious mononucleosis. Therefore, the development of an effective prophylactic EBV vaccine is necessary.