Primary Epstein-Barr virus infections in children.

During a serioepidemiologic survey of a community, 13 (6.2%) of 209 children were found to be experiencing a current or recent primary Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection. The sera contained elevated antibody titers to viral capsid antigen of EBV, antibodies to early antigen (EA) of EBV, and specific IgM. The frequency of primary infections was highest in the first decade of life. The primary EBV infections were usually asymptomatic. The antibody to EA was directed predominantly to the R component. A heterophil antibody response was not detected.