Changes in Epstein-Barr Virus Antibody Titers Associated with Aging

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Abstract
Antibody titers to the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), early antigen (EA) IgG and virus capsid antigen (VCA) and IgA, where measured in 44 geriatric subjects to determine if the depression in cellular immunity known to be associated with aging affects the expression of latent EBV. Similar assays were performed on plasma obtained from a young adult (medical student) population as a control group. Of the geriatric samples 89% were positive for EA IgG and 83% of the plasma obtained from medical students were positive for EA IgG. Of the geriatric subjects 100% were positive for VCA IgG and 87% of the medical students were positive for VCA IgG. Of the medical student blood samples 7% were positive for VCA IgA; in contrast, 36% of the blood samples obtained from the geriatrics subjects were positive. Significant differences were also found in the geometric mean titers (GMT) of antibodies to EBV antigens; the GMT to EVB EA and VCA were significantly higher in the geriatric group. There may be some loss of control over latent EBV by the cellular immune response in geriatric individuals.