Detection of Epstein-Barr Nuclear Antigen (EBNA) IgM among healthcare workers in some selected hospitals in Rivers State, Nigeria

Several diseases are associated with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and they can be life-threatening, especially in immunocompromised individuals. Moreover, there are no well-established EBV prevention and control strategies in Nigeria. Therefore, this study was carried out to assess the prevalence of Epstein-Barr (EBNA) IgM antibody among Public Health Workers in Port-Harcourt, Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey was adopted to randomly analyze 94 public healthcare workers (HCWs) working in a public health centre in Rivers State, Nigeria. Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) was used to analyze EBNA IgM antibodies in the samples obtained. Chi-Square analysis was used to determine the association of the infection with socio-demographic factors. Overall, 3 patients were seropositive for EBNA IgM, constituting 3.1% of the sample while 91 (97.8%) were observed to be seronegative for EBNA IgM antibody. Reactivity of Epstein–Barr virus did not differ significantly as regards sex distribution, but it was significant with regards to marital status and professional cadre in the health care facility. Sera EBNA IgM positivity was highest in the age group >40 (9.5%) followed by the age group 18-29 (5%), single (4%), married (3.2%), male (9.5%), female (1.3%). This study confirms the presence of Epstein-Barr virus primary infection among public health workers in Port-Harcourt, and an onward risk of infectious mononucleosis. This finding, therefore, alerts us to the establishment of surveillance programs for the detection, treatment and control of EBV in Port-Harcourt and Nigeria at large.