Publication: Seroprevalence of varicella-zoster virus antibody in Thailand
6
Issued Date
1997-01-01
Resource Type
ISSN
12019712
Other identifier(s)
2-s2.0-12644258545
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Mahidol University
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SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
International Journal of Infectious Diseases. Vol.2, No.1 (1997), 26-30
Suggested Citation
Sricharoen Migasena, Sriluck Simasathien, Varunee Desakorn, Benjaluck Phonrat, Pravan Suntharasamai, Punnee Pitisuttitham, Chanchai Aree, Supa Naksrisook, Ladawan Supeeranun, Rudiwilai Samakoses, Francois Meurice Seroprevalence of varicella-zoster virus antibody in Thailand. International Journal of Infectious Diseases. Vol.2, No.1 (1997), 26-30. doi:10.1016/S1201-9712(97)90007-2 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/18210
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Title
Seroprevalence of varicella-zoster virus antibody in Thailand
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Abstract
Objective: To determine the seroprevalence of varicella-zoster virus antibodies in a wide age range of healthy subjects in Thailand. Design and Methods: In 1994, blood samples were collected from 559 volunteers aged 4 months to 77 years from the Bangkok area; questionnaires about socioeconomic background and history of chickenpox or herpes zoster were also completed. Serum samples were assayed for specific varicella-zoster virus (VZV) IgG antibodies using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. Results: The seroprevalence rate (61.4% overall) increased with age: less than 1 year, 10.2%; 1 to 4 years, 24.1%; 5 to 9 years, 62.5%; 10 to 14 years, 70.4%; 15 to 19 years, 78.9%; 20 to 29 years, 69.2%; 30 to 39 years, 96.1%; 40 to 49 years, 100%; and 50 years and older, 98.0%. No significant differences in the VZV antibody prevalence with respect to gender, family size, or family income were seen. There was good correlation between varicella history and seropositivity: 92.9% of subjects with a varicella history were seropositive. Conclusions: In this urban population, approximately one in three adolescents and young adults lacked natural immunity against varicella. The results suggest that vaccination programs in Thailand and probably other tropical countries should include susceptible adolescents and adults who are at high risk of developing severe varicella and resultant complications.