Prevalence of Epstein-Barr Virus Infections among Inflammatory Bowel Disease patients in Kirkuk City/Iraq

Abstract

Children and adults worldwide are significantly impacted by Epstein-Barr virus infection. The illness typically stays dormant and is well-managed in people with robust immune systems. However, the virus can cause life-threatening infections in those with weakened immune systems, such as those with inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease,). This study aims to evaluate the presence of VCA IgM, IgG, and EBNA-1 antibodies against the Epstein-Barr virus in inflammatory bowel disease patients and explore potential connections between the prevalence of these antibodies, age, and sex. The research carried out in Kirkuk City included 100 individuals (56 patients with ulcerative colitis and 44 with Crohn's disease) and a control group of 100 individuals. Blood samples were collected from all participants in this study and subjected to analysis using the ELISA technique. EBV seropositivity was significantly higher in IBD patients (UC 76.7%, p-value <0.001, and CD 70.4% p-value 0.002) than in controls (6%) (p-value= 1.0). The highest seroprevalence occurred in the 31–40 age group (UC: 30.2%, CD: 38.7%) with a p-value <0.005. Males showed higher EBV positivity than females in Both UC 69.7%, p-value 0.008, and CD: 58.1% with a p-value < 0.002.