[Varicella-zoster virus seroprevalence in children between 0-15 years old]

The incidence of chicken pox infections in our country is not clear since it is not an obligatory reported disease, and there is not enough seroepidemiologic studies on this subject. The aim of the study was to determine the seroprevalence of infections caused by Varicella-Zoster virus (VZV), and to determine the relation of prevalence with some factors. For this purpose, 885 children ages between 0-15 years old, were investigated for the presence of VZV-IgG antibodies. Specific IgG antibodies were screened qualitatively by enzyme immunoassay (ELISA). As a result, it was found that after the declination of maternal antibodies, seropositivity rates were low up to the end of the first year, and then showed a gradual increase. The seropositivity rates were found 41.2% for 4-5 years old group, whereas it was 80% for 10-11 years old group and 85% for 13-15 years old group. There was no statistically important difference between seropositivity and sexes of children (p>0.05), but the seropositivity rates showed statistically important differences between increasing age and the number of siblings. In conclusion, as the majority of varicella infections occur in early childhood, the best way to prevent the circulation of wild type VZV, is the vaccination of children against chicken pox.