Seroepidemiology of Varicella Zoster Virus Infection among 1-70 year individuals in Iran

Background: Varicella zoster virus (VZV) causes varicella and, later in the life of the infected person, can reactivate to cause Herpes zoster (HZ). The objective of this study was the investigation of anti Varicella zoster virus IgG antibodies in infants and adults in Shiraz, southern Iran. Methods: A cross-sectional, age and population-based seroprevalence study was conducted in 2008 on 843 subjects, ages ranging from 1 to 70 years old. IgG antibodies against VZV were measured with a commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: The seroprevalence of Varicella zoster antibodies increased with age, being 25.3% in 1-5 year age group, 43.1% in 6-10 year group, 73.5% in 11-15 year group and 86% in adult population. Conclusion: The majority of VZV infections occurred during childhood. The best policy to prevent the circulation of wild type VZV in the population and reduction of the rate of complicated cases is the immunization of 5 year old children and those younger. VZV vaccine should be incorporated in the conventional childhood vaccination plan in Iran.