OBJECTIVES: To determine the seroprevalence of varicella-zoster viral (VZV) infections in schoolchildren from the Cochabamba region (Bolivia), and its association with socio-demographic variables, socio-economic status and geographical location. METHODS: Seroepidemiological survey (n = 436) on VZV of schoolchildren living in the Cochabamba region of Bolivia in 2010. An ELISA test was used to measure varicella antibodies. Parents or guardians completed a questionnaire regarding socio-demographic information (age, gender, living area, parental educational level, presence of siblings and number of family members in the household), and a blood sample was collected from each child to check for VZV antibodies. A descriptive and bivariate analysis was performed. RESULTS: The global prevalence of VZV was 78.2% (95% CI 74.3-82.1). It was higher in females (82.1%), pre-adolescents (aged 10.1-13 years: 81.4%) and adolescents (aged >13 years: 80.2%), in children with less well-educated parents (81.3% to 81.6%), in warmer municipalities (81.4% to 82.2%), in rural areas (80.0%), in children with siblings (80.1%), those who although the latter association was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of VZV infection in childhood was relatively high for a tropical country, and much closer to that of temperate countries prior to the introduction of varicella vaccine into vaccination programmes.
OBJECTIVES: To determine the seroprevalence of varicella-zoster viral (VZV) infections in schoolchildren from the Cochabamba region (Bolivia), and its association with socio-demographic variables, socio-economic status and geographical location. METHODS: Seroepidemiological survey (n = 436) on VZV of schoolchildren living in the Cochabamba region of Bolivia in 2010. An ELISA test was used to measure varicella antibodies. Parents or guardians completed a questionnaire regarding socio-demographic information (age, gender, living area, parental educational level, presence of siblings and number of family members in the household), and a blood sample was collected from each child to check for VZV antibodies. A descriptive and bivariate analysis was performed. RESULTS: The global prevalence of VZV was 78.2% (95% CI 74.3-82.1). It was higher in females (82.1%), pre-adolescents (aged 10.1-13 years: 81.4%) and adolescents (aged >13 years: 80.2%), in children with less well-educated parents (81.3% to 81.6%), in warmer municipalities (81.4% to 82.2%), in rural areas (80.0%), in children with siblings (80.1%), those who although the latter association was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of VZV infection in childhood was relatively high for a tropical country, and much closer to that of temperate countries prior to the introduction of varicella vaccine into vaccination programmes.
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Authors: Luiza Helena Falleiros Arlant; Maria Catalina Pirez Garcia; Maria L Avila Aguero; Miguel Cashat; Cintia Irene Parellada; Lara J Wolfson Journal: BMC Public Health Date: 2019-05-08 Impact factor: 3.295
Authors: Siriphone Virachith; Virginie Pommelet; Elodie Calvez; Vilaysone Khounvisith; Somphou Sayasone; Sengchanh Kounnavong; Mayfong Maxay; Phonepadith Xangsayarath; Sarah Temmam; Marc Eloit; Nicolas Escriou; Thierry Rose; Khamsing Vongphayloth; Judith M Hübschen; Vincent Lacoste; Somphavanh Somlor; Darouny Phonekeo; Paul T Brey; Antony P Black Journal: Lancet Reg Health West Pac Date: 2021-07-14
Authors: Erik Schaftenaar; Georges M G M Verjans; Sarah Getu; James A McIntyre; Helen E Struthers; Albert D M E Osterhaus; Remco P H Peters Journal: PLoS One Date: 2014-06-10 Impact factor: 3.240