title: Has VZV epidemiology changed in Italy? Results of a seroprevalence study.
abstract: The aim of the study was to evaluate if and how varicella prevalence has changed in Italy. In particular a seroprevalence study was performed, comparing it to similar surveys conducted in pre-immunization era. During 2013-2014, sera obtained from blood samples taken for diagnostic purposes or routine investigations were collected in collaboration with at least one laboratory/center for each region, following the approval of the Ethics Committee. Data were stratified by sex and age. All samples were processed in a national reference laboratory by an immunoassay with high sensitivity and specificity. Statutory notifications, national hospital discharge database and mortality data related to VZV infection were analyzed as well. A total of 3707 sera were collected and tested. In the studied period both incidence and hospitalization rates decreased and about 5 deaths per year have been registered. The seroprevalence decreased in the first year of life in subjects passively protected by their mother, followed by an increase in the following age classes. The overall antibody prevalence was 84%. The comparison with surveys conducted with the same methodology in 1996-1997 and 2003-2004 showed significant differences in age groups 1-19 y. The study confirms that in Italy VZV infection typically occurs in children. The impact of varicella on Italian population is changing. The comparison between studies performed in different periods shows a significant increase of seropositivity in age class 1 - 4 years, expression of vaccine interventions already adopted in some regions.
authors.affiliation: a University of Salento , Lecce , Italy.
authors.forename: Antonella
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: De Donno
authors.affiliation: b University of Ferrara , Ferrara , Italy.
authors.forename: Parvanè
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Kuhdari
authors.affiliation: a University of Salento , Lecce , Italy.
authors.forename: Marcello
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Guido
authors.affiliation: c Istituto Superiore di Sanità , Rome , Italy.
authors.forename: Maria Cristina
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Rota
authors.affiliation: c Istituto Superiore di Sanità , Rome , Italy.
authors.forename: Antonino
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bella
authors.affiliation: d Local Health Unit 4 "Chiavarese," Liguria Region , Italy.
authors.forename: Giordana
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Brignole
authors.affiliation: b University of Ferrara , Ferrara , Italy.
authors.forename: Silvia
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Lupi
authors.affiliation: a University of Salento , Lecce , Italy.
authors.forename: Adele
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Idolo
authors.affiliation: b University of Ferrara , Ferrara , Italy.
authors.forename: Armando
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Stefanati
authors.affiliation: c Istituto Superiore di Sanità , Rome , Italy.
authors.forename: Martina
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Del Manso
authors.affiliation: b University of Ferrara , Ferrara , Italy.
authors.forename: Giovanni
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Gabutti
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000914:Antibodies, Viral / Q000097:blood*; D002644:Chickenpox / Q000453:epidemiology*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007558:Italy / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016036:Seroepidemiologic Studies; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D000914:Antibodies, Viral
keywords: Chickenpox; Immunization; Seroprevalence; Surveillance; Varicella-Zoster Virus