Open AccessVaricella susceptibility among children and healthy adults in the United Arab Emirates
Author(s) -
Uduman Sa,
Tahira Am,
R Alwash,
Usmani Ma,
Abdulbari Bener
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
eastern mediterranean health journal/eastern mediterranean health journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.442
H-Index - 47
eISSN - 1687-1634
pISSN - 1020-3397
DOI - 10.26719/2001.7.4-5.604
Subject(s) - seroprevalence , serology , medicine , indian subcontinent , chickenpox , young adult , demography , age groups , pediatrics , virus , immunology , antibody , gerontology , ancient history , sociology , history
The serological evidence of varicella zoster virus infection was determined among healthy individuals from infancy to 47 years of age living in this region. Of 648 people, 126 [19.4%] had no detectable antibody and were susceptible to infection. The overall adult seroprevalence rate was 81.3%. The rate among Emirati citizens increased with age; 41 years, 88.9%. Adults from the Indian subcontinent and Philippines had variable prevalence rates and Sri Lankans living in the region were highly serosusceptible [35%]. Because of the clinical impact of varicella in adult populations, vaccine prevention might be beneficial.