Serological study of the epidemiology of mumps virus infection in north-west England

Abstract

SUMMARYSerum samples from individuals of a wide age range, collected in northwest England in 1984 and 1986, provide the basis for an analysis of the epidemiology of mumps virus infection. A radial haemolysis test yielding quantitative antibody measurements was used to screen samples for mumps-specific IgG. Analyses of resultant age-seroprevalence profiles, using statistical models, revealed an agerelated pattern in the rate of infection per susceptible similar to that observed for other childhood infections. This rate, or force of infection, was low in young children, high in older children, and low in adults. In addition, the serological surveys provide evidence for time-dependent changes (both epidemic and longerterm) in the rate of mumps virus transmission. The longer-term changes, reflected in the pattern of the age-acquisition of specific antibodies, are supported by evidence from case notification data. The implications of temporal changes in incidence to the interpretation and design of serological surveys are considered. TNTRODUJCTIONChanging circumstances surrounding mumps infection in this country provide good reason for further investigations aimed at improving our understanding of the epidemiology of this infection. The recent introduction of a triple measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine for the immunization of young children [1] has created an urgent need to assess the existing pattern of herd immunity (prior to

Who mixes with whom? A method to determine the contact patterns of adults that may lead to the spread of airborne infections

“…We are therefore interested in variation in mixing within and between age groups (see Anderson & May 1985Nokes et al 1986Nokes et al , 1990Babad et al 1995;Gay et al 1995), within and between households (Longini & Koopman 1982) and weekday to weekend variation (see Babad et al 1995). Although also of importance (Fine & Clarkson 1982), we have not attempted to evaluate seasonal variation in contact rates.…”

A comparison of oral fluid and serum for the detection of rubella‐specific antibodies in a community study in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

“…Population-based surveys of antibodies to viral and bacterial infections have important and well-recognised uses in immunity surveillance, such as assessing the impact of vaccination and identifying target groups for vaccination Gay et al 1997a,b;Miller et al 1997;Nokes & Cutts 1993), and in epidemiological research: for example, to characterize age-related patterns of transmission and evaluate different vaccination policy options (Anderson & May 1991;Anderson & Nokes 1996;Azevedo-Neto et al 1994;Nokes et al 1986Nokes et al , 1990Babad et al 1995;Gay et al 1995).…”

Development of Antibody Isotype Responses toSchistosoma mansoniin an Immunologically Naive Immigrant Population: Influence of Infection Duration, Infection Intensity, and Host Age

“…In the case of human helminth infections such as opistorchiasis (21), ascariasis (25), or trichuriasis (4), exposure of the parasite is often age dependent, resulting in characteristic age-related patterns of infection intensity. In childhood viral infections, it is generally supposed that this is simply the result of immunity acquired after first contact (33). With schistosomiasis infections, it is possible that the lower intensities of infection seen in adults may result from acquisition of immunity due to exposure to chronic antigen stimulation (6).…”