Seroprevalence of varicella zoster virus in Colombo district, Sri Lanka
Journal Title: Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Medicine - Year 2018, Vol 11, Issue 1
Abstract
Objective: To determine the seroprevalence of varicella zoster virus (VZV) antibodies among the population residing in the Colombo district of Sri Lanka. Methods: A cross-sectional population-based study was conducted which included 1 258 participants. Blood samples were collected and questionnaires administered to obtain sociodemographic information and history of varicella and/or herpes zoster. Serum samples were assayed for VZV IgG antibodies using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. Results: Overall, the seroprevalence was 54.2% (95% CI = 51.5%−57.0%). Children below 1 year of age were seronegative, and only about 20.0% of children between 1 and 10 years of age were seropositive. Seropositivitiy increased with age and by the age of 40 years 74.3% were seropositive. Among women of childbearing age, the overall seroprevalence was about 62.0% (95% CI = 57.7%–66.1%) but was low 37.0% in the 15–19 age group. Conclusion: In this population, 45.8% lacked natural immunity against varicella. Of women of childbearing age, 39.9% lacked immunity and in the subgroup of women 15–19 years of age, 63.0% women lacked immunity. In light of the country’s success with the control and high coverage of other vaccine preventable diseases and that the vaccine is available in the private sector, the inclusion of varicella vaccine in the national immunization program may be considered.
Authors and Affiliations
Hathshya M Munasingha
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP267562
- DOI 10.4103/1995-7645.223561
- Views 100
- Downloads 0
Acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase and paraoxonase 1 activities in rats treated with cannabis, tramadol or both
Objective: To investigate the effect of Cannabis sativa resin and/or tramadol, two commonly drugs of abuse on acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase activities as a possible cholinergic biomarkers of neurotoxicit...
Acute and chronic toxicity studies of hydromethanol leaf extract of Helianthus annuus Linn. in rats
Objective: To investigate the safety levels of hydromethanol leaf extract of Helianthus annuus Linn. (H. annuus) in rat. Methods: Acute oral toxicity test of hydromethanol leaf extract of H. annuus was conducted through...
Domestic reptiles as source of zoonotic bacteria: A mini review
Captive reptiles, always more often present in domestic environment as pets, may harbor and excrete a large variety of zoonotic pathogens. Among them, Salmonella is the most well-known agent, whereas there are very scant...
Tuberculosis/toxoplasmosis co-infection in Egyptian patients: A reciprocal impact
Objective: To assess the concurrent toxoplasmosis infection in Egyptian TB patients and the impact of each infection on the other in terms of increased severity of TB or reactivation of latent Toxoplasma infection. Metho...
Measles outbreaks in the Kyeongin area of the Republic of Korea, 2013–2014: A single-center experience in a country of measles elimination
Objective: To identify the source of infection and determine the clinical features and laboratory finding of measles infection. Methods: In 27 measles patients, except for 3 adult patients, the rest of 24 pediatric measl...