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Complement fixing antibodies to respiratory viruses in children in Jos, Nigeria
G Karaivanova1, N E Gomwalk, I Dobrev
1Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Jos, Nigeria.
Insights
Respiratory virus antibodies were detected in children from Jos. Adenoviruses were most common, found in 62% of samples, indicating widespread circulation of these viruses.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Respiratory viruses are a significant cause of childhood illness globally.
- Understanding the prevalence of specific respiratory viruses is crucial for public health interventions.
- Previous serological studies in the Jos region are limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the seroprevalence of antibodies against common respiratory viruses in children residing in Jos.
- To identify which respiratory viruses are most frequently encountered in this pediatric population.
Main Methods:
- Serum samples were collected from 100 children in Jos.
- Complement fixation tests were employed to detect antibodies against adenoviruses, parainfluenza viruses, influenza A and B, respiratory syncytial virus, coronaviruses, and reoviruses.
Main Results:
- Antibodies against adenoviruses were detected in 62% of the children.
- Para-influenza viruses (53%), influenza A (47%), and influenza B (41%) also showed high seroprevalence.
- Respiratory syncytial virus (31%), coronaviruses (29%), and reoviruses (19%) were detected at lower rates.
Conclusions:
- The study reveals a high prevalence of antibodies against multiple respiratory viruses in children from Jos.
- Adenoviruses and parainfluenza viruses appear to be particularly common in this population.
- These findings highlight the significant burden of respiratory viral infections in children in the region and inform potential vaccination and control strategies.
Abstract:
One-hundred serum samples obtained from children in Jos were tested for the presence of complement fixing antibodies against several respiratory viruses. Sixty-two per cent of the samples were positive for adenoviruses, 53 per cent for para-influenza viruses, 47 and 41 per cent for influenza A and B, respectively, 31 per cent for respiratory syncytial virus, 29 per cent for coronaviruses, and 19 per cent for reoviruses.