Age-Related Distribution of Epstein–Barr Virus DNAemia: Comparative Insights from Newborns to Older Adults in a Clinical Cohort

Background: Epstein–Barr Virus (EBV) infects over 90% of adults worldwide, usually persisting latently. While seroprevalence is well documented, the age-specific distribution of EBV DNAemia, particularly in newborns and elderly individuals, is less understood. Such insights are essential for diagnosis and public health measures. Objectives: To evaluate the prevalence of EBV DNAemia across different age and sex strata within a clinical cohort, focusing particularly on the neonatal and older age groups. Methods: Between January 2024 and January 2025, EBV DNA was analyzed by real-time PCR in 561 patients at Baghdad Teaching Laboratories, Medical City, Iraq, using a retrospective cross-sectional design. Participants were stratified into six age groups: newborns (≤28 days), infants, children, adolescents, adults, and seniors (≥60 years). Results were categorized as Negative, Positive, or Reactive Suspicious. Associations between EBV DNAemia and demographics were tested using chi-square analysis (p < 0.05). Results: In total, 7,8% of the individuals were positive for EBV DNA, 2.3% were classified as reactive suspicious, and 89.8% were negative. Positivity in seniors reached 100%, while the lowest rates were recorded in children (3.7%) and adolescents (6.0%). Newborns showed greater positivity (11.5%) relative to older individuals (7.4%), although this was not statistically significant (χ², p = 0.125). No significant differences were found between the sexes (χ² = 3.898, p = 0.142), although there were slightly elevated counts in males. Conclusion: EBV DNAemia was uncommon, peaking at the extremes of age, reflecting possible perinatal transfer in newborns and reactivation in seniors. No significant associations with age or sex were found.