Seroprevalence of Varicella Zoster Virus Infection among Primary school Children In Northern Nigeria

Abstract

Abstract Background:  Varicella Zoster infection occurs exclusively in man and commonly affects children with predilection for
school age children. Following infection the course of the disease in immunocompetent children is often mild and self limited but in older age groups infection may be severe with poor outcomes ranging from complicating bacterial morbidities to death. In Kaduna State, Northern Nigeria the seroprevalence ofVaricella - zoster virus (VZV) infection is unknown The current cross - sectional study was conducted to assess the seroprevalence of VZV infection among nursery and primary school pupils in Kaduna State.

Methods: Nursery and primary school pupils between the ages 4 and 15 years were randomly selected from the three geopolitical z o n e s o f Ka d u n a S t a t e . Demographic data on each subject were obtained by administration of a questionnaire and blood samples were collected for serum analysis of Varicella - zoster virus immunoglobulin G (IgG) using the
Automat ion ELISA IgGKi t manufactured by Automation INC. USA.  Data obtained were summarized using percentages and
frequency tables. Results were analyzed using Epi- info version 3.0.

Results: Three hundred and fifty three pupils were recruited for the study. The overall prevalence rate for VZV infection was 66.3% with the value in males being 68.5% and in females 63.9%. The prevalence of VZVinfection increased with age in both sexes. A high percentage of children (60%) were seropositive at 4-6 years.

Conclusion:The study shows a 66.3% prevalence of VZV infection among children in Kaduna State. This high prevalence rate  necessitates further studies to establish the burden of the problem in Nigeria and rationalize the institution of preventive measures against the infection, particularly immunocompromi sed young children.