Seroprevalence of Varicella-zoster virus immunoglobulins (IgG and IgM) antibodies in parts of North Central Nigeria

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Yusuf Hussaini and Yakubu Jibrin

Federal Polytechnic Nasarawa, Nigeria

: J Virol Antivir Res

Abstract

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Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) is the causative agent of Chicken pox (varicella) and shingles (zoster). Varicella is a sudden onset, very contagious disease that is characterized by a widespread, blister-like rash. It typically infects children in temperate regions; children, mostly adolescents’ and adults are infected in tropical region. This cross-sectional study evaluated the seroprevalence of Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) immunoglobulins gamma (IgG) and immunoglobulins Mu (IgM) by Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Serum samples obtained from respondents were tested using a whole-virus IgG and IgM VZV-specific commercial enzyme-linked Immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. Respondents’ demographic data were obtained using questionnaires. Ethical consent was sought from the appropriate authority for both minors and adults. A total of seven hundred and fifty (750) respondents domiciled in North Central Nigeria had their serum samples analyzed. The overall seroprevalence of 71.7% and 26.7% were obtained for IgG and IgM antibodies respectively. The highest seroprevalence of 86.0% for IgG was recorded in Nigeria state while the highest seroprevalence of 33.6% for IgM was recorded in the federal Capital territory Abuja. Seroprevalence of VZV IgG by age recorded the highest rate of 78.1% among those 41 years and above while for those 10 years and below the lowest rate was 65.4%. The prevalence rate for male and females were 71.0% and 72.5% respectively. These results demonstrate a high prevalence of varicella among the population studied. We recommend instituting improved education regarding varicella among communities and increasing vaccination program or routine testing for serum varicella antibody to prevent VZV-related morbidity and mortality, particularly in adolescents and adult.

Biography

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Yusuf Hussaini has spent more than a decade teaching and supervising projects in the fields such as virology, immunology, molecular biology and microbial genetics. He completed his master’s degree in Ahmadu Bello University in 2008. He completed his PhD in the same University in 2012. During this time, he has worked on a number of researches to formulate and improvise methods of navigating through the deplorable economic problems in Nigeria to achieve maximum health benefits using minimal resources. He is currently working as a Lecturer in Federal Polytechnic Nasarawa Nigeria Africa. His research interest includes immunology, Bacteriology and Virology.

E-mail: yusufhussaini9015@gmail.com