Varicella-zoster virus seroprevalence in healthcare workers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) infections are a particular problem in healthcare settings. A survey of chickenpox was carried out amongst healthcare workers (HCWs) following potential ward exposures. A prior history of chickenpox was given by 61/98 (62.2%). Of 64 HCWs tested for VZV IgG, 10 (15.6%) were seronegative, indicating susceptibility. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of a history of prior chickenpox were 57.4%, 90%, 96.4%, and 31.0%, respectively. VZV screening of HCWs without a history of chickenpox, and vaccination of susceptible HCWs should be undertaken in this hospital.
Department of Medical Microbiology, University Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. jicsam@ummc.edu.my
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Sam
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Tariman
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Chan
M Kahar
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Bador
M Y Mohd
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Yusof
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Hassan
D000328:Adult; D000914:Antibodies, Viral / Q000097:blood*; D002644:Chickenpox / Q000097:blood* / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000821:virology; D004198:Disease Susceptibility; D005260:Female; D006282:Health Personnel / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006306:Health Surveys; D014645:Herpesvirus 3, Human / Q000276:immunology*; D006785:Hospitals, University / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D008296:Malaysia / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D016036:Seroepidemiologic Studies
D000914:Antibodies, Viral