Age-Specific Prevalence of Epstein–Barr Virus Infection Among Individuals Aged 6–19 Years in the United States and Factors Affecting Its Acquisition

Abstract

The EBV antibody prevalence declined in US individuals aged 6-19 years from 2003-2004 to 2009-2010, mainly because of the decrease among non-Hispanic white participants. The declining antibody prevalence over time and the consistently high observed prevalence among participants aged 12-19 years support broad use of EBV vaccine before 12 years of age.