Publication: Susceptibility to varicella-zoster virus in Thai children and young adults
Issued Date
1985-12-01
Resource Type
ISSN
00383619
Other identifier(s)
2-s2.0-0022397723
Rights
Mahidol University
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Southeast Asian Journal of Tropical Medicine and Public Health. Vol.16, No.3 (1985), 414-420
Suggested Citation
U. Kositanont, C. Wasi, P. Oonsombat, V. Suvatte, P. Thongcharoen Susceptibility to varicella-zoster virus in Thai children and young adults. Southeast Asian Journal of Tropical Medicine and Public Health. Vol.16, No.3 (1985), 414-420. Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/20.500.14594/30839
Research Projects
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Journal Issue
Thesis
Title
Susceptibility to varicella-zoster virus in Thai children and young adults
Other Contributor(s)
Abstract
During 1982-1983, suceptibility to varicella-zoster virus (VZV) in 224 Thai subjects at high risk for varicella infection was studied. The immune adherence hemagglutination (IAHA) and VZ skin test were carried out to determine VZV immunity in immunocompromised children and young adults. The history of varicella and herpes zoster from each subject was recorded. The mean ± SD age in children and young adults were 7.3 ± 2.8 and 19.6 ± 1.2. Negative IAHA test was found in 74.2% of 62 children and 35.2% of 162 young adults. The increase in immune individuals was demonstrated with advancing age. Response to VZ skin test showed positive results in 79 of 162 (48.8%) young adults. The seronegativity was related to the negative VZ skin test (p < 0.001, X2 test). Regardless of antibody detection or VZ skin test, 47 of 162 (29%) young adults were susceptible. According to the positive history of varicella and of herpes zoster obtained from 95 young adults, 80% had developed varicella during 1 to 10 years of age and 8.8% had positive history of herpes zoster. The findings suggest that the IAHA and VZ skin test should be used together for assessing VZ immunity. Varicella vaccination is highly recommended for susceptible persons who may develop severe illness.