Trends and patterns of varicella zoster virus infection in Kilifi: A population-based serosurvey
PLOS Global Public Health·
- DOI
- 10.1371/journal.pgph.0006013
- PMID
- —
- PMCID
- —
- OpenAlex
- W7128203261
- Study type
- Cross-sectional study
- Publisher
- Public Library of Science (PLoS)
- Article type
- journal-article
- Integrity
- current
Why this research matters now
Widespread adult susceptibility points to potential vulnerabilities for severe clinical outcomes in mature cohorts and expectant mothers, underscoring the potential value of introducing pediatric vaccination initiatives.
Structured evidence summary
Research question
What are the age-specific exposure rates and transmission dynamics of varicella zoster virus in a Kenyan region lacking routine childhood immunization?
Study design
A retrospective laboratory analysis of stored biological specimens gathered through repeated cross-sectional community surveys spanning more than a decade.
Population and setting
Individuals residing within a designated demographic surveillance zone in Kenya, encompassing minors under fifteen years and adults aged fifteen and above.
Main findings
Antibody detection rates climbed steadily with advancing age, peaking among preteens, while mathematical modeling indicated peak transmission intensity during middle childhood. Nearly four in ten adults lacked prior exposure, reflecting a delayed typical infection age that extends well into reproductive years.
Public-health relevance
Widespread adult susceptibility points to potential vulnerabilities for severe clinical outcomes in mature cohorts and expectant mothers, underscoring the potential value of introducing pediatric vaccination initiatives.
Important limitations
The reliance on archived specimens from intermittent survey waves restricts continuous temporal monitoring and may reflect participation patterns specific to the original sampling periods.
GIDS interpretation
This report establishes a regional baseline for viral circulation patterns in an area without established pediatric prophylaxis, providing contextual reference material for future epidemiological mapping and resource allocation discussions.
Related GIDS surveillance
Literature context does not validate, explain, or change a surveillance signal. Exact and contextual relationships are shown separately.
Evidence relationships
This article has 10 auditable classifier relationships to diseases, places, topics, and study design.