The seroepidemiology of varicella in Italy

Gabutti, Giovanni; Penna, Cleonice; Rossi, Micaela; Salmaso, Stefania; Rota, Maria Cristina; Bella, Antonino; Crovari, P.

doi:10.1017/s0950268801005398

Cited by 63 publications

(56 citation statements)

References 21 publications

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“…3). 16,17 More in detail, seroprevalence observed in the present study was significantly greater in comparison to the ones previously observed in the age classes from 1 to 15-19 y of age. Starting from the 20-39 age class, no statistically significant differences were detected among the 3 studies.…”

Section: Resultscontrasting

confidence: 62%

Has VZV epidemiology changed in Italy? Results of a seroprevalence study

Donno

Kuhdari

Guido

et al. 2016

Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics

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The aim of the study was to evaluate if and how varicella prevalence has changed in Italy. In particular a seroprevalence study was performed, comparing it to similar surveys conducted in pre-immunization era. During 2013-2014, sera obtained from blood samples taken for diagnostic purposes or routine investigations were collected in collaboration with at least one laboratory/center for each region, following the approval of the Ethics Committee. Data were stratified by sex and age. All samples were processed in a national reference laboratory by an immunoassay with high sensitivity and specificity. Statutory notifications, national hospital discharge database and mortality data related to VZV infection were analyzed as well. A total of 3707 sera were collected and tested. In the studied period both incidence and hospitalization rates decreased and about 5 deaths per year have been registered. The seroprevalence decreased in the first year of life in subjects passively protected by their mother, followed by an increase in the following age classes. The overall antibody prevalence was 84%. The comparison with surveys conducted with the same methodology in 1996-1997 and 2003-2004 showed significant differences in age groups 1-19 y. The study confirms that in Italy VZV infection typically occurs in children. The impact of varicella on Italian population is changing. The comparison between studies performed in different periods shows a significant increase of seropositivity in age class 1 -4 years, expression of vaccine interventions already adopted in some regions.

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Section: Resultscontrasting

confidence: 62%

Has VZV epidemiology changed in Italy? Results of a seroprevalence study

Donno

Kuhdari

Guido

et al. 2016

Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics

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“…A Turkish study reported a VZV seroprevalence of 90% in 15 to 19-year olds only [24]. A recent Italian study based on more than 3,000 sera from 18 regions (both North and South Italy) indicated that VZV seroprevalence only reaches 91.8% for the 20 to 39-year olds [12]. This study reported that about 17% of Italian 10 to 19-year olds lacks immunity to VZV.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 49%

The seroepidemiology of primary varicella-zoster virus infection in Flanders (Belgium)

Thiry

Beutels

Shkedy

et al. 2002

European Journal of Pediatrics

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since varicella-zoster virus predominantly affects very small children and is generally perceived as benign, the required high coverage rate of a universal childhood varicella vaccination programme may be hard to attain. Adolescent strategies can minimise the population risks involved but the accuracy of non positive antecedents of chickenpox needs to be documented to assess the efficiency of such strategies.

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“…In Italy, as in other countries in the northern hemisphere, varicella is an endemic infection with a striking seasonal pattern and a peak incidence in winter and spring. A study comparing the few available Italian epidemiological data over time showed that the percentage of varicella cases noted in the 15-year age group increased from 6.0% in 1961-1970 to 17.7% in 1991-1996 [16] . The percentage of females of reproductive age who have no specific anti-VZV antibodies is 17.2% among the 15-to 19-year age group, and 9.2% among the 20-to 39-year age group.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The percentage of females of reproductive age who have no specific anti-VZV antibodies is 17.2% among the 15-to 19-year age group, and 9.2% among the 20-to 39-year age group. Hence, the Italian data suggest that the risk of acquiring varicella during pregnancy is increasing [16] . In contrast to this, and to several studies in the US and UK, no such indication emerged from the German epidemiological data over the period from 1987 to 1998 [6 ; Enders et al, 1998, unpublished data].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Congenital Varicella Syndrome: Still a Problem?

Auriti¹,

Piersigilli²,

Gasperis

et al. 2009

Fetal Diagn Ther

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A woman contracted chickenpox in the 12th week of gestation. Her general practitioner and later the consultant obstetrician warned her about the small risk of giving birth to a disabled child. She decided to continue the pregnancy without undergoing invasive tests to diagnose fetal intrauterine infection. Symptoms of congenital varicella syndrome (CVS) were detected by ultrasound in the 29th and 34th weeks of gestation. On admission to hospital, the baby was not considered infectious and was not isolated because polymerase chain reaction analysis to detect varicella zoster virus (VZV) DNA in the blood, cerebrospinal fluid, saliva, skin scrapings and feces gave negative results. He was also not separated from his mother. The mother was without clinical complications. Varicella during pregnancy may result in VZV transmission to the fetus or newborn. Intrauterine VZV infection in the first 28 weeks of gestation may result in CVS with limb deformities, brain abnormalities and mental retardation. Usually the newborn is not infectious, and therapy and isolation are unnecessary. When the mother catches the infection in the second trimester, the newborn may manifest shingles in the first 2 years of life. A maternal rash erupting 5 days before to 2 days after delivery is frequently associated with clinically severe varicella in the newborn, leading to high mortality if untreated. Then the newborn is infectious and must be isolated. This case report underlines the need for expert medical counseling for women who contract chickenpox at any time during pregnancy. It also underlines the importance of immunizing susceptible women of childbearing age before they become pregnant.

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The seroepidemiology of varicella in Italy

Cited by 63 publications

References 21 publications

Has VZV epidemiology changed in Italy? Results of a seroprevalence study

Has VZV epidemiology changed in Italy? Results of a seroprevalence study

The seroepidemiology of primary varicella-zoster virus infection in Flanders (Belgium)

Congenital Varicella Syndrome: Still a Problem?

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