Korean J Pediatr Infect Dis.  1998 May;5(1):121-127. 10.14776/kjpid.1998.5.1.121.

Epstein-Barr Virus Antibodies in Korean Mothers and Their Neonates

• Shin YK
• Eun BL
• Park SH
• Lim CS
• Kim YS

• KMID: 2440326
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.14776/kjpid.1998.5.1.121

Abstract

PURPOSE
S: This study was performed to evaluate the seropositivities and levels of term pregnant women and their neonates, and the transplacental transfer rate of maternal Epstein-Barr Virus-specific IgG(VCA IgG and EBNA IgG) from term pregnant women to their neonates.
SUBJECTS AND METHODS
During Jan. 1, 1997 to Mar. 31. 1997, we collected the 42 pairs of sera from pregnant women and umbilical cord of their neonates in Korea University Ansan Hospital. The serum levels of VCA IgG and EBNA IgG were measured by the ELISA method.
RESULTS
1) The seropositivities of VCA IgG were 100% in mothers and neonates. There was no statistical difference of mean VCA IgG levels between mothers and neonates. There was significant correlation of VCA IgG levels between maternal sera and neonatal umbilical cord sera(correlation coefficient r=0.5214, P < 0.001). 2) The seropositivities of EBNA IgG were 100% in mothers and neonates. There was no significant difference of the mean EBNA IgG levels between mothers and neonates. There was significant correlation of EBNA IgG levels between maternal sera and neonatal umbilical cord sera (correlation coefficient r=0.7244, P < 0.001). 3) There was no correlation between VCA IgG and EBNA IgG levels of maternal sera.
CONCLUSION
Seropositivities of EBV CA IgG and EBNA IgG of term-pregnant women and their neonates were 100% and no significant differences of antibody levels were found in two groups. It seems that EBV Antibody levels in Korean mothers and neonates were high enough to protect primary EBV infection during early infancy.

Keyword

Epstein-Barr Virus; VCA IgG; EBNA IgG; Umbilical Cord; Korean

MeSH Terms

Antibodies*
Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
Epstein-Barr Virus Infections
Female
Gyeonggi-do
Herpesvirus 4, Human*
Humans
Immunoglobulin G
Infant, Newborn*
Korea
Methods
Mothers*
Pregnant Women
Umbilical Cord
Antibodies
Immunoglobulin G