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Persistence of Immunity to Varicella-Zoster Virus After Vaccination of Healthcare Workers

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2015

Lisa Saiman ,
Philip LaRussa ,
Sharon P. Steinberg ,
Juyan Zhou ,
Keren Baron ,
Susan Whittier ,
Phyllis Della-Latta  and
Anne A. Gershon
Lisa Saiman*
Affiliation:
Departments of Pediatrics and Pathology, Columbia University, College of Physicians & Surgeons, New York City, New York
Philip LaRussa
Affiliation:
Departments of Pediatrics and Pathology, Columbia University, College of Physicians & Surgeons, New York City, New York
Sharon P. Steinberg
Affiliation:
Departments of Pediatrics and Pathology, Columbia University, College of Physicians & Surgeons, New York City, New York
Juyan Zhou
Affiliation:
Departments of Pediatrics and Pathology, Columbia University, College of Physicians & Surgeons, New York City, New York
Keren Baron
Affiliation:
Departments of Pediatrics and Pathology, Columbia University, College of Physicians & Surgeons, New York City, New York
Susan Whittier
Affiliation:
Departments of Pediatrics and Pathology, Columbia University, College of Physicians & Surgeons, New York City, New York
Phyllis Della-Latta
Affiliation:
Departments of Pediatrics and Pathology, Columbia University, College of Physicians & Surgeons, New York City, New York
Anne A. Gershon
Affiliation:
Departments of Pediatrics and Pathology, Columbia University, College of Physicians & Surgeons, New York City, New York
*
Columbia University, College of Physicians & Surgeons, 650 W 168th St, New York 10032
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Abstract

Objective:

Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) vaccine is recommended to protect susceptible healthcare workers (HCWs) from serious disease and to prevent nosocomial spread of VZV. We evaluated clinical outcomes and serological responses in HCWs after immunization with live attenuated VZV vaccine.

Design:

Vaccinees were immunized from 1979 to 1998 during VZV vaccine trials, as well as after licensure, and followed prospectively for 1 month to 20.6 (mean 4.6) years after vaccination. Sera were tested by fluorescent antibody to membrane antigen (FAMA), latex agglutination (LA), and enzyme-linked immunoassay (EIA) to detect VZV-specific antibodies.

Study Participants:

The median age of the 120 HCWs was 26 years; 51 (42%) were males.

Interventions:

Ninety eight (82%) of these study subjects received vaccine prepared by Merck and 22 (18%) by SmithKline Beecham; 25, 81, and 14 vaccinees received one dose, two doses, and three doses, respectively.

Results:

The crude attack rate was 10%; 12 of 120 HCWs developed chickenpox 6 months to 8.4 years after vaccination. The attack rates following household and hospital exposures were 18% (4/22) and 8% (6/72), respectively. All resulting illness was mild to moderate (mean 40 vesicles). Seroconversion after vaccination was documented by FAMA in 96% of HCWs, although 31% lost detectable antibodies. Compared with FAMA, LA and EIA were 82% and 74% sensitive and 94% and 89% specific, respectively.

Conclusions:

The VZV vaccine effectively protected HCWs from varicella, particularly from serious disease. Currently available serological tests are not optimal, and improved assays are needed.

Type
Original Articles
Information
Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology , Volume 22 , Issue 5 , May 2001 , pp. 279 - 283
Copyright
Copyright © The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America 2001

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