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A novel method of oral fluid collection to monitor immunity to common viral infections

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 January 2004

M. C. MORRIS-CUNNINGTON ,
W. J. EDMUNDS ,
E. MILLER  and
D. W. G. BROWN
M. C. MORRIS-CUNNINGTON
Affiliation:
Immunisation Division, Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre (CDSC), Health Protection Agency (formerly Public Health Laboratory Service) Infectious Disease Epidemiology Unit, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
W. J. EDMUNDS
Affiliation:
Immunisation Division, Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre (CDSC), Health Protection Agency (formerly Public Health Laboratory Service)
E. MILLER
Affiliation:
Immunisation Division, Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre (CDSC), Health Protection Agency (formerly Public Health Laboratory Service)
D. W. G. BROWN
Affiliation:
Enteric, Neurological and Respiratory Laboratory, Central Public Health Laboratory, Health Protection Agency
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Abstract

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Serological surveys among representative population samples have proved rare given their reliance on invasive sample collection. We therefore completed the first population-based postal survey of immunity in England and Wales using new oral fluid technology. This paper examines the feasibility of this new methodological approach. Nearly 5500 oral fluid samples were collected, with individual demographic and social data via a questionnaire, from persons under 45 years of age recruited through general practices. Instructions were accurately followed with only 1% of samples returned without risk-factor data. The overall response rate was 40%. Response was independently associated with age, sex and location. Response was highest in children aged 5–14 years, adult females and in rural locations. This approach allowed the successful collection of comprehensive individual risk data, but response rates in adults must be improved if oral fluid surveys are to routinely complement serological surveillance.

Type
Research Article
Information
Epidemiology & Infection , Volume 132 , Issue 1 , February 2004 , pp. 35 - 42
Copyright
© 2004 Cambridge University Press