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