title: Seroepidemiological survey of hospital-associated populations in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
abstract: Almost 1,500 sera from hospital-associated groups in Colombo, Sri Lanka were tested for antibodies against melioidosis, scrub typhus, influenza, and group B arboviruses. A low prevalence of antibodies was found against meliodosis and scrub typhus. Crude prevalence rates of more than 50% were encountered for antibodies against A influenza, and there was no apparent difference in rates when these were analysed according to age, sex, or ethnic background. Influenza B antibodies were more prevalent in older individuals. Antibodies against group B arboviruses were found in all groups tested, and were significantly more prevalent in older Tamils, who has estimated attack rates of more than 5% per year.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000914:Antibodies, Viral / Q000032:analysis*; D001103:Arboviruses / Q000276:immunology*; D001782:Blood Donors; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D009980:Influenza A virus / Q000276:immunology*; D008297:Male; D008554:Melioidosis / Q000276:immunology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009726:Nurses; D012285:Orientia tsutsugamushi / Q000276:immunology*; D010564:Personnel, Hospital; D013188:Sri Lanka; D013337:Students, Medical
chemical_list: D000914:Antibodies, Viral