Objective:

To detect the Epstein Barr virus in adolescent students between 14 and 17 years old in the city of Cali, Colombia and its possible association with age, gender and school grade.

Methods:

Retrospective cross-sectional study where 374 mouthwash samples collected between the years 2015 and 2016 was analyzed through conventional and real-time PCR. Association between viral DNA detection and sociodemographic characteristics were evaluated. The odds ratio analysis was used to assess the extent of this association.

Results:

The viral DNA was present in 45% (167/374) of the samples, with a higher DNA detection in the students of eighth and ninth grades (p=0.004); where the 14 years old students present a 2.4 times higher risk of detecting the virus (IC 95%: 1,12-4.9) in comparison with older students.

Conclusion:

In the present study, the Epstein Barr virus exposition in the oral cavity was evidenced, which make necessary to take actions on surveillance that allow monitoring the implications of these fndings in the teenage student’s health.

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