Seroprevalence of Norwalk virus and Mexico virus in Chilean individuals: assessment of independent risk factors for antibody acquisition.
Norwalk virus (NV) and Mexico (MX) virus represent distinct genetic clusters within the same genus of human caliciviruses (CVs), a major cause of diarrhea in adults. The magnitude and potential risk factors of human CV infection in populations from Santiago and Punta Arenas, Chile, were assessed. Individuals (n = 1,864) gave a blood sample and answered a questionnaire during a household survey. Sera were tested for antibody to NV and MX virus with use of recombinant capsid antigens. Overall, NV and MX virus seroprevalence rates were 83% and 91% in Santiago vs. 67% and 90% in Punta Arenas, respectively (P < .001 for NV virus). Lower socioeconomic status and increasing age were risk factors for infection with both viruses (P < .001). Consumption of seafood, consumption of vegetables, and child care center attendance were population risk factors for infection, but the association of a factor with a virus depended on the city. Prevention of human CV infections will require individual assessment in different communities.
O'Ryan
M L
ML
Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago.
Víal
P A
PA
Mamani
N
N
Jiang
X
X
Estes
M K
MK
Ferrecio
C
C
Lakkis
H
H
Matson
D O
DO
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000914:Antibodies, Viral / Q000097:blood; D002139:Caliciviridae; D017250:Caliciviridae Infections / Q000097:blood / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000276:immunology; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002677:Chile / Q000453:epidemiology; D002947:Cities / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009663:Norwalk virus / Q000276:immunology; D012307:Risk Factors; D016036:Seroepidemiologic Studies; D012923:Social Class
D000914:Antibodies, Viral