Jodi L Ford1, Raymond P Stowe. 1. The Ohio State University College of Nursing, Columbus, OH 43210, USA. ford.553@osu.edu
Abstract
PURPOSE: To examine racial-ethnic differences in Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) antibody levels among U.S. children and adolescents. Elevated titers among seropositive youth can indicate viral reactivation-an indirect measure of impaired cell-mediated immunity. METHODS: Data from the 2003-2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were analyzed using multivariable linear regression accounting for the complex survey design and potential confounders. The sample comprised 4663 black-African American, Mexican American, and white youth aged 6-17 years who were EBV seropositive. RESULTS: EBV antibody levels were significantly higher for black-African American youth compared with their white peers (b = 0.343, P < .0001). Gender-stratified models were consistent with the total sample except differences in EBV antibody levels were greater between black-African American and white males (b = 0.525, P < .0001) than between black-African American and white females (b = 0.169, P = .0185). Differences in EBV antibody levels between Mexican American and white youth were only marginally significant in the total and the gender-stratified samples. CONCLUSIONS: Black-white differences in EBV antibody levels were found suggesting EBV reactivation and potential disparities in immune function among minority youth. Research on multilevel factors contributing to the disparities is needed, including potential health implications over the life course for minority youth.
PURPOSE: To examine racial-ethnic differences in Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) antibody levels among U.S. children and adolescents. Elevated titers among seropositive youth can indicate viral reactivation-an indirect measure of impaired cell-mediated immunity. METHODS: Data from the 2003-2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were analyzed using multivariable linear regression accounting for the complex survey design and potential confounders. The sample comprised 4663 black-African American, Mexican American, and white youth aged 6-17 years who were EBV seropositive. RESULTS:EBV antibody levels were significantly higher for black-African American youth compared with their white peers (b = 0.343, P < .0001). Gender-stratified models were consistent with the total sample except differences in EBV antibody levels were greater between black-African American and white males (b = 0.525, P < .0001) than between black-African American and white females (b = 0.169, P = .0185). Differences in EBV antibody levels between Mexican American and white youth were only marginally significant in the total and the gender-stratified samples. CONCLUSIONS: Black-white differences in EBV antibody levels were found suggesting EBV reactivation and potential disparities in immune function among minority youth. Research on multilevel factors contributing to the disparities is needed, including potential health implications over the life course for minority youth.
Authors: Jasmin E Guevara; Sarah Gilbert; Kyle W Murdock; Raymond P Stowe; Christopher P Fagundes Journal: Stress Health Date: 2019-07-11 Impact factor: 3.519
Authors: Kyle W Murdock; Annina Seiler; Diana A Chirinos; Luz M Garcini; Sally L Acebo; Sheldon Cohen; Christopher P Fagundes Journal: Dev Psychobiol Date: 2018-02-16 Impact factor: 3.038
Authors: Annette Langer-Gould; Jun Wu; Robyn Lucas; Jessica Smith; Edlin Gonzales; Lilyana Amezcua; Samantha Haraszti; Lie Hong Chen; Hong Quach; Judith A James; Lisa F Barcellos; Anny H Xiang Journal: Neurology Date: 2017-08-30 Impact factor: 9.910
Authors: Jodi L Ford; Christopher R Browning; Samantha J Boch; Darlene A Kertes; Jake Tarrence; Baldwin M Way; Kammi K Schmeer Journal: Nurs Res Date: 2021 Set/Oct 01 Impact factor: 2.381