Author/Authors :
Mostafavi, Naseredin Pediatrics Department - Child Growth and Development Research Center, Research Institute for Primordial Prevention of Non-Communicable Disease - Isfahan University of Medical Sciences , Ghaffari Hoseini, Shervin Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center - Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan , Kelishadi, Roya Pediatrics Department - Child Growth and Development Research Center, Research Institute for Primordial Prevention of Non-Communicable Disease - Isfahan University of Medical Sciences , Ataei, Behrooz Nosocomial Infection Research Center - Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan , Safari, Omid Pediatrics Department - Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj , Yaran, Majid Acquired Immunodeficiency Research Center - Isfahan University of Medical Sciences , Motlagh, Mohammad Esmaeil Pediatrics Department - Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz , Heshmat, Ramin Chronic Diseases Research Center - Endocrinology and Metabolism Population Sciences Institute - Tehran University of Medical Sciences , Madady, Aryan Student Research Committee - Alborz University of Medical Science, Karaj , Ardalan, Gelayol Pediatrics Department - Child Growth and Development Research Center, Research Institute for Primordial Prevention of Non-Communicable Disease - Isfahan University of Medical Sciences , Mohammadi, Rasool Department of Epidemiology - School of Public Health - Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran , Tajadini, Mohamad Hasan Pediatrics Department - Child Growth and Development Research Center, Research Institute for Primordial Prevention of Non-Communicable Disease - Isfahan University of Medical Sciences , Qorbani, Mostafa Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center - Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinical Sciences Institute - Tehran University of Medical Sciences
Abstract :
Background: Although primary varicella zoster virus (VZV) infection (chicken pox) is a mild childhood disease, it can cause severe
infection with complications in adults. As the disease is preventable by effective vaccination, it is important to determine the level
of immunity to VZV in every region to implement proper vaccination strategies.
Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the seroprevalence of VZV infection in adolescents living in different provinces
of Iran.
Methods: In a cross-sectional multicentre study, serum samples from 2315 students, aged 10 - 18 years, were examined for VZV antibodies
(IgM/IgG). Students were selected by multistage cluster sampling during a national surveillance program.
Results: Prevalence of VZV antibodies was statistically different in various provinces of Iran (P = 0.001); it ranged from 82.4% in
Isfahan, Center of Iran, to 98.5% in Mazandaran, North of the country. The VZV seroprevalence was not significantly different by
gender, except for Khuzestan, South of Iran, where antibodies were much more prevalent in girls (92.7%) than in boys (78.3%, P =
0.004). Seroprevalence was not significantly different according to the living area (urban/rural).
Conclusions: VZV seroprevalence is different in various provinces of Iran; the susceptibility of adult population to VZV infection
is suggested to be high in Ardabil, Isfahan, and Kermanshah; and low in Kerman and Mazandaran. Therefore, different strategies
should be implemented in each province to protect high-risk adults from severe varicella infection.
Keywords :
Chickenpox , Prevalence , Iran , Prevention
