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Varicella Zoster Antibodies after Herpes Zoster, Varicella and Multiple Sclerosis

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  18 September 2015

R.T. Ross ,
L.E. Nicolle ,
M.R. Dawood ,
Mary Cheang  and
C. Feschuk
R.T. Ross*
Affiliation:
Section of Neurology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg
L.E. Nicolle
Affiliation:
Infectious Disease, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg
M.R. Dawood
Affiliation:
The Cadham Provincial Laboratory
Mary Cheang
Affiliation:
Biostatistical Consulting Unit, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg
C. Feschuk
Affiliation:
The Canadian Red Cross Society, Blood Services, Manitoba Division
*
GF535-820 Sherbrook Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3A 1R9
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Abstract:

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Background:

We previously showed that Manitoba Hutterites seek physician care for varicella zoster virus infection significantly less than non-Hutterites. The current study was undertaken to measure varicella zoster virus seroprevalence for Hutterite and non-Hutterite controls.

Methods:

Blood was obtained from 315 Hutterites and 259 similar age and sex controls at the time of blood donations to The Canadian Red Cross Society. The controls were from the same or a contiguous postal code area and were collected at the same time as the Hutterite samples. The immune status of the specimens was determined by the ELISA method (enzyme linked immunosorbent assay).

Results:

Twenty-eight per cent of 315 Hutterites had no immunity and an additional 25% had only marginal immunity. Among the 259 controls, 10% had no immunity and an additional 10% had only marginal immunity (p < .0001).

Conclusions:

Manitoba Hutterites have significantly decreased seroprevalence to varicella zoster virus infection. This study of serum varicella zoster virus antibodies verifies a previous population based study that demonstrated the relative rarity of varicella and herpes zoster among a particular population group.

Type
Original Articles
Information
Canadian Journal of Neurological Sciences , Volume 24 , Issue 2 , May 1997 , pp. 137 - 139
Copyright
Copyright © Canadian Neurological Sciences Federation 1997

References

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