High varicella zoster virus susceptibility in Caribbean island populations: Implications for vaccination

• Published in: International journal of infectious diseases Vol. 94; pp. 16 - 24
• Main Authors: Vos, Regnerus A., Mollema, Liesbeth, van Boven, Michiel, van Lier, Alies, Smits, Gaby, Janga-Jansen, Alcira V.A., Baboe-Kalpoe, Sharda, Hulshof, Koen, Stienstra, Ymkje, van der Klis, Fiona R.M., de Melker, Hester E.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Canada Elsevier Ltd 01-05-2020; Elsevier
• Subjects: Caribbean islands; Chickenpox; Herpes zoster; Sero-epidemiology; Vaccination; Varicella zoster virus; Varicella zoster virus; Herpes zoster; Caribbean islands; Vaccination; Sero-epidemiology; Chickenpox
• ISSN: 1201-9712; 1878-3511
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2020.02.047

Varicella zoster virus (VZV) infection is reported regularly among adolescents and adults in Caribbean island populations. The disease more often runs a severe course among these populations, causing a substantial burden. The aim of this sero-epidemiological study was to obtain an insight into VZV susceptibility and its determinants in island populations of the Caribbean Netherlands (CN).
Participants from Bonaire, St. Eustatius, and Saba (n = 1829, aged 0–90 years) donated a blood sample and completed a questionnaire. VZV-specific IgG antibodies were determined using a bead-based multiplex immunoassay. Risk factors were analysed using a logistic regression model.
Overall seroprevalence in CN was 78%, being lowest on St. Eustatius (73%) and highest on Bonaire and Saba (79%). Seropositivity increased gradually with age, with 60% and 80% at ages 10 years and 30 years, respectively, and ranging between 80% and 90% thereafter. Higher odds for VZV seronegativity were seen among persons who were born in CN or had resided there since early childhood, and among single-person households.
VZV susceptibility is relatively high among adolescents and adults in CN. In order to reduce the burden of VZV-related disease in these populations, routine varicella vaccination is recommended. As data are scarce, the study findings can serve as a blueprint for the epidemiology in tropical regions.