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Varicella Zoster Virus in American Samoa: Seroprevalence and Predictive Value of Varicella Disease History Among Elementary and College Students
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Jul 26 2013
Source: Epidemiol Infect. 142(5):1002-1007. -
Alternative Title:Epidemiol Infect
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Description:The epidemiology of varicella is believed to differ between temperate and tropical countries. We conducted a varicella seroprevalence study in elementary and college students in the US territory of American Samoa before introduction of a routine varicella vaccination programme. Sera from 515 elementary and 208 college students were tested for the presence of varicella-zoster virus (VZV) IgG antibodies. VZV seroprevalence increased with age from 76·0% in the 4-6 years group to 97·7% in those aged ⩾23 years. Reported history of varicella disease for elementary students was significantly associated with VZV seropositivity. The positive and negative predictive values of varicella disease history were 93·4% and 36·4%, respectively, in elementary students and 97·6% and 3·0%, respectively, in college students. VZV seroprevalence in this Pacific island appears to be similar to that in temperate countries and suggests endemic VZV circulation.
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Pubmed ID:23890292
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Pubmed Central ID:PMC4612350
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