Josias NDAM MEFIRE1
1University of Douala, cameroon.
CaHReF 2018, Yaoundé Congres hall, 08 – 11 January 2019 , OAU003
Background: Epstein-Barr virus is a widespread virus around the world. Generally associated with infectious mononucleosis, it is also responsible for some malignancies. Studies in tropical Africa show an average prevalence of about 90% in children under 5 years of age.
Objectif: establish the profile of anti-EBV antibodies in children aged 6 months to 5 years in the city of Yaoundé.
Methodology: We conducted a cross-sectional study from January to June 2017. The collection of samples was carried out at the mother and child center of the Chantal BIYA foundation, and the analysis at the Pasteur Center of Cameroon. Sampling was random and consecutive. The study population was made up of children aged 6 months to 5 years, coming either for a consultation or for a vaccination. Three main antibodies, the anti-EA IgG, anti-VCA IgG and anti-EBNA IgG antibodies were investigated by indirect immunofluorescence using the EUROIMMUN® manufacturer's kit.
Results: We recruited a total of 142 participants, of whom 76 (53.5%) were male for a sex ratio of 1.15. The average age of the population was 25.45 ± 16.13 months, the most represented age group being between 13 and 24 months. The seroprevalence obtained was 92.3% for the anti-VCA IgG antibodies, 46.5% for the anti-EA IgG antibodies and 75.4% for the anti-EBNA IgG antibodies. We were then able to draw the following profile: 11/118 (9.3%) had anti-EA and anti-VCA, 57/118 (48.3%) all three antibodies, and 50/118 (42.4%) possessed both anti-VCA antibodies and anti-EBNA.
Conclusion/Recommandation: The results of this research show that contact with the Epstein-Barr virus is early in our country. By the age of one year more than half of the children have already met the virus and seroprevalence is increasing with age. It would be wise, therefore, that awareness of this virus be high and that other surveys be conducted at the national level in order to have accurate data on its circulation in our country.
Key Words: Antibody profile, EBV, children, Yaoundé