Mayo Clinic Proceedings
Volume 82, Issue 2, 2007, Pages 175-180
Seroprevalence of antibody to varicella among Somali refugees (Article)
Nysse L.J. ,
Pinsky N.A. ,
Bratberg J.P. ,
Babar-Weber A.Y. ,
Samuel T.T. ,
Krych E.H. ,
Ziegler A.W. ,
Jimale M.A. ,
Vierkant R.A. ,
Jacobson R.M. ,
Poland G.A.*
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a
Mayo Vaccine Research Group, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, United States
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b
Mayo Vaccine Research Group, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, United States
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c
Mayo Vaccine Research Group, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, United States, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, United States
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d
Mayo Vaccine Research Group, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, United States, Camden Physicians, Minneapolis, MN, United States
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e
Mayo Vaccine Research Group, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, United States, Wishard Memorial Hospital, Indianapolis, IN, United States
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f
Mayo Vaccine Research Group, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, United States, Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, United States
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g
Mayo Vaccine Research Group, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, United States, Grand Forks AFB, Grand Forks, ND, United States
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h
Language Department, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, United States
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i
Division of Biostatistics, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, United States
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j
Mayo Vaccine Research Group, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, United States, Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, United States
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k
Mayo Vaccine Research Group, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, United States, Translational Immunovirology and Biodefense Program, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, United States, Mayo Vaccine Research Group, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, 200 First St SW, Rochester, MN 55905, United States
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To determine the seroprevalence of varicella antibody among recent Somali refugees living in Olmsted County, Minnesota, and to estimate the risk of varicella-zoster virus (VZV) infection in this group. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We obtained blood samples from the study subjects, along with demographic information, immunization records, and vaccine-preventable disease history. Serum samples were tested using a whole-virus IgG VZV-specific commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. This study was completed in 1998. RESULTS: Overall, 200 Somali refugees, comprising 33 extended families, were interviewed, with 193 providing adequate blood samples. Thirty-five subjects (18%) were seronegative for varicella. Males had a significantly higher seronegativity rate (25% [n=23]) compared with females (12% [n=12]; P=.02); however, this association disappeared after adjustment for age and varicella infection history. Five percent (5/92) of adults were seronegative compared with 30% (30/101) of all children (P<.001). Eight percent (5/61) of the adult females were seronegative, whereas none (0/31) of the adult males were seronegative. Conversely, 38% (23/60) of male children were seronegative compared with 17% (7/41) of female children (P<.001). CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate a high prevalence of varicella seronegativity among Somali refugees who have immigrated to an endemic area. We recommend instituting improved education regarding varicella among Somali communities and increasing vaccine uptake or routine testing for serum varicella antibody to prevent VZV-related morbidity and mortality, particularly in adolescents, adult refugees, and women of childbearing age. © 2007 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.
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Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-33846697327&doi=10.4065%2f82.2.175&partnerID=40&md5=313bedcd7a702344fe9f263f4052d99f
DOI: 10.4065/82.2.175
ISSN: 00256196
Cited by: 14
Original Language: English