Study on Varicella-Zoster Virus Antibody Levels among Children Aged 1-7 Years in Changzhou, China
Dan Wu1,2, Changlei Han1,2, Suting Xiong1,2
1Changzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Changzhou 213022, China.
Insights
Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) IgG antibody levels in children peak after vaccination and decline over time. Two doses of the VZV vaccine significantly boost antibody levels, supporting routine immunization.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Vaccinology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) infection poses risks, necessitating effective vaccination strategies.
- Understanding VZV-IgG antibody kinetics post-vaccination is crucial for assessing immunity duration and vaccine efficacy in children.
- Establishing normative VZV-IgG antibody levels is essential for pediatric VZV immunity monitoring.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine varicella-zoster virus (VZV) antibody levels in children following vaccination.
- To develop VZV-IgG centile curves and reference values for children aged 1–7 years.
- To evaluate the impact of vaccination schedules on VZV-IgG antibody concentrations.
Main Methods:
- Recruitment of 806 children from September to October 2023, with follow-up intervals of 1 month to 3 years post-vaccination.
- Application of a generalized additive model for location, shape, and scale (GAMLSS) to derive VZV-IgG centile curves (P3-P97) and 95% reference intervals.
- Analysis of antibody positivity rates based on vaccination dose and time elapsed since immunization.
Main Results:
- A total of 785 children were analyzed, showing an overall VZV-IgG positivity rate of 70.3%.
- Median VZV-IgG concentration was 192.05 mIU/mL, with higher positivity rates after two vaccine doses (84.2%) compared to one (57.7%).
- Antibody levels peaked around 1-2 years post-vaccination, with rates of 80.4% at 1 year and 67.7% at 2 years, indicating a transient increase followed by a decline.
Conclusions:
- VZV-IgG antibody levels exhibit a pattern of increase and subsequent decrease after vaccination.
- A second dose of the VZV vaccine significantly enhances VZV-IgG antibody levels.
- Timely administration of two doses of the varicella vaccine is recommended and should be integrated into routine pediatric vaccination schedules.
Abstract:
We aim to understand the varicella-zoster virus (VZV) antibody levels in children after vaccination and to construct VZV-IgG centile curves and reference values for children aged 1-7 years. From September to October 2023, a total of 806 children were recruited according to the time intervals of 1 month, 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, and 3 years after vaccination, as well as age groups. A generalized additive model for location, shape, and scale (GAMLSS) was applied to estimate P3, P10, P25, P50, P75, P90, and P97 centile reference values of VZV-IgG, and 95% reference intervals were calculated. A total of 785 children were included in the analysis, with an overall positivity rate of 70.3%, a median antibody concentration of 192.05 (82.89-571.14) mIU/mL, and a positivity rate of 57.7% for one dose of vaccine and 84.2% for two doses. Antibody positivity rates at 1 month, 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, and 3 years after vaccination were 65.1%, 74.4%, 80.4%, 67.7%, and 63.0%, respectively. The GAMLSS results showed that VZV-IgG had a tendency to increase and then decrease after vaccination, and the second dose of vaccination could significantly increase VZV-IgG. Two doses of varicella vaccine should be administered to children in a timely manner and included in the routine vaccination programs.
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