| Low Varicella Zoster Virus Seroprevalence among Young Children in the Democratic Republic of the Congo |
| Authors: |
Doshi RH, Alfonso VH, Mukadi P, Hoff NA, Gerber S, Bwaka A, Higgins SG, Cowell B, Mwamba GN, Okitolonda E, Muyembe-Tamfum JJ, and Rimoin AW |
| Source: |
Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal, DOI: 10.1097/INF.0000000000001750. |
| Topic(s): |
Child health
Children under five
|
| Country: |
Africa
Congo Democratic Republic
|
| Published: |
AUG 2017 |
| Abstract: |
BACKGROUND:
Varicella zoster virus (VZV) causes both varicella (chickenpox) and herpes zoster (shingles) and is associated with significant global morbidity. Most epidemiological data on VZV come from high-come countries and to date there are limited data on the burden of VZV in Africa.
METHODS:
We assessed the seroprevalence of VZV antibodies among children in the Democratic Republic of Congo in collaboration with the 2013-2014 Demographic and Health Survey (DHS). Dried blood spot samples collected from children 6-59 months of age were run on Dynex™ Technologies Multiplier FLEX® chemiluminescent immunoassay platform to assess serologic response. Multivariate logistic regression was then used to determine risk factors for VZV seropositivity.
RESULTS:
Serologic and survey data were matched for 7,195 children 6 to 59 months of age, among whom 8% were positive and 2% indeterminate for VZV antibodies in weighted analyses. In multivariate analyses, the odds of seropositivity increased with increasing age, increasing socioeconomic status, mother's education level, rural residence, and province (South Kivu, North Kivu, Bandundu, Bas Congo had the highest odds of a positive test result compared to Kinshasa).
CONCLUSION:
Our data suggest that VZV is circulating in DRC and seropositivity is low among children 6 to 59 months. The with prevalence of seropositivity increased with age and varied by other sociodemographic factors, such as geographic location. This study provides the first nationally representative estimates of varicella zoster virus infection among children in the DRC. |
|