Seroprevalence of Varicella Zoster Virus in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia in Post-vaccination Era

Abstract

Background: Varicella zoster virus (VZV) is a highly contagious virus causing two types of skin infections known as varicella and herpes zoster. Due to its high burden, vaccination is available in almost 42 counties worldwide including Saudi Arabia. Since its introduction, data on the impact of the vaccine from local and neighboring countries is lacking. Objective: This study was done to determine the seroprevalence of anti VZV IgG and IgM antibodies in post-vaccination era fifteen years after varicella vaccine introduction in routine childhood vaccination schedules. Methods: retrospective observational study over seven years on all individual tested for anti VZV IgG and IgM in a tertiary university hospital in the eastern province of Saudi Arabia between Jan 2014 to Dec 2020. Results: 83.69% (6820/8149) of tested population were seropositive with significantly lower positivity in children less than ten years old (44%). Yet no significant difference was found between males and females or among different nationalities tested. Conclusions: varicella continuous to be prevalent in the eastern province of Saudi Arabia fifteen years after the introduction of the vaccine but the level of anti VZV IgG detection is significantly lower in children below ten years of age. Further large-scale studies are needed to assess the impact of universal vaccination on the epidemiology of VZV.