Mononucleosis epidemiology and demographics

Overview

Majority of mononucleosis syndromes are caused by Epstein-Barr virus, and most people become infected with EBV sometime during their lives with an estimated 90%-95% of persons greater than 21 years of age demonstrating antibody to EBV.

In the United States, the disease occurs most often among older children and young adults; however, in certain socioeconomically depressed areas the infection affects young children who remain asymptomatic.

Additionally, the dormant feature combined with long (4 to 6 week) incubation period of the disease, makes epidemiological control of the disease impractical.

Epidemiology and Demographics

Age

• In the United States, as many as 95% of adults between 35 and 40 years of age have been infected with approximately 50% of the population seroconverts during early childhood.

• Infants become susceptible to EBV as soon as maternal antibody protection which is present at birth starts to disappears.

• Children if infected with EBV usually remain asymptomatic and hence are indistinguishable from the other mild, brief illnesses of childhood. However, when the infection occurs during adolescence or young adulthood, it causes acute infectious mononucleosis 35% to 50% of the time.

Outbreaks

• True outbreaks of infectious mononucleosis are extremely rare.

• A substantial number of pseudo-outbreaks have been reported and linked to laboratory error.[1]

Resources

CDC Pseudo-Outbreak

References

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