PURPOSE: To determine the population-based seroprevalence of varicella zoster virus (VZV) and related risk factors in Izmir. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A population-based household survey was conducted. A representative sample of the population older than 15 years of age was selected using multistage random sampling. A total of 2136 healthy persons participated in this cross-sectional study. The participants completed a questionnaire designed to collect data related to socio-demographic characteristics and risk factors. Blood samples were collected, and VZV-specific IgG was measured using an ELISA. RESULTS: In total, 94.3% of individuals were seropositive for VZV. The difference between VZV seroprevalence in urban and rural populations was significant (OR: 2.6 (95% CI, 1.7-3.8)). No statistically significant differences in seropositivity were observed with respect to other sociodemographic characteristics. CONCLUSION: A large proportion of the participants were found to be immune to VZV.
PURPOSE: To determine the population-based seroprevalence of varicella zoster virus (VZV) and related risk factors in Izmir. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A population-based household survey was conducted. A representative sample of the population older than 15 years of age was selected using multistage random sampling. A total of 2136 healthy persons participated in this cross-sectional study. The participants completed a questionnaire designed to collect data related to socio-demographic characteristics and risk factors. Blood samples were collected, and VZV-specific IgG was measured using an ELISA. RESULTS: In total, 94.3% of individuals were seropositive for VZV. The difference between VZV seroprevalence in urban and rural populations was significant (OR: 2.6 (95% CI, 1.7-3.8)). No statistically significant differences in seropositivity were observed with respect to other sociodemographic characteristics. CONCLUSION: A large proportion of the participants were found to be immune to VZV.
Authors: Nawal Al Kaabi; Fatma Mohd Ali Sultan Al Olama; Mamoun Al Qaseer; Idris Al Ubaidani; Ener Cagri Dinleyici; Wail Ahmad Hayajneh; Abdul Rahman Bizri; Maysoon Loulou; Tidiane Ndao; Lara J Wolfson Journal: Hum Vaccin Immunother Date: 2019-09-03 Impact factor: 3.452