Introduction and objective:
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is widespread in the world’s population. Transmitted mainly through saliva, the EBV virus infects the epithelial cells of the oropharynx, where it can replicate, establishing latency in B lymphocytes. Many authors analyse EBV viremia in saliva as a possible biomarker of various diseases. The aim of the study is to analyse the frequency and level of EBV viremia in the saliva of a healthy population of children and adults. The level of anti-EBV antibodies and a possible correlation between EBV viral load in saliva and antibody titres in serum were also examined.

Material and methods:
The study involved 66 healthy people, including 22 children aged 5–10 and 44 adults. EBV DNA was isolated from the saliva of all patients, and the presence and level of EBV DNA was detected using the qPCR method. Anti-EBV antibodies in serum were detected by ELISA.

Results:
The higher percentage of positive results was detected in children aged 5–10 (81.8%) and a smaller percentage in adults aged 20–49 (75.0%), this difference was not statistically significant. EBV DNA was most often detected in adults aged 50–70 (85.7%). The mean level of EBVCA IgG antibodies was similar in both age groups. Similarly, no difference in EBNA-1 antibody titers was observed between younger and older groups of adult patients. In three healthy people, despite the presence of EBV DNA in saliva, no anti-EBVCA or EBNA-1 antibodies were detected.

Conclusions:
The prevalence of EBV DNA in the healthy population ranged from 75% – 85.7%. Additionally, no correlation was observed between the EBV load in saliva and the titer of tested antibodies in the serum of healthy people.