Enterovirus D68 seroepidemiology in Taiwan, a cross sectional study from 2017

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Epidemiology
• Public Health

Background:

• Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68), identified in 1962, exhibits distinct characteristics among enteroviruses.
• Following a 2014 epidemic in the US, EV-D68 has been recognized as endemic in Taiwan, with documented cases of acute flaccid myelitis.
• A 2017 study aimed to determine the current serostatus of EV-D68 in Taiwan.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the seroprevalence of Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) in a diverse Taiwanese population.
• To identify demographic and environmental factors associated with EV-D68 seropositivity.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional seroepidemiology study was conducted in Taiwan in 2017.
• 920 participants, including preschool children, students, and adults (aged 6-49), provided informed consent for questionnaire-based interviews and blood sampling.
• Neutralizing antibodies against EV-D68 were measured to determine serostatus.

Main Results:

• EV-D68 seropositivity rates significantly increased with age, from 32% in infants to 100% in adults aged 16-49.
• Among preschool children, seropositivity was associated with older age (p <0.0001), larger household size (≥4 members, p = 0.037), and kindergarten attendance (p = 0.027).
• Seropositive rates varied across different geographic regions of Taiwan.

Conclusions:

• Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) infection is prevalent in Taiwan, with a clear age-dependent increase in seropositivity.
• Preschool children in larger households and those attending kindergarten showed higher EV-D68 seropositivity rates.
• The findings highlight the importance of age, household size, and social contact in EV-D68 transmission dynamics.