Seroepidemiology of varicella-zoster virus among pregnant women in Hamedan, Iran

Abstract

Varicella is a highly contagious illness that is severe and associated with a greater risk of complications and death in adults than in children. The disease in pregnant women may result in congenital varicella syndrome. The aim of this study was to determine the immunity level against varicella-zoster virus among pregnant women in Hamedan, Iran. During a cross-sectional study, blood samples of 270 pregnant women who were referred to the Fatemieh hospital during a six-month period were taken after they filled out the relevant questionnaires and the agreements. The level of IgG against varicella-zoster virus was measured using ELISA method. The collected data was analyzed by SPSS 16. Out of 270 pregnant women, 210 (78.5%) had protective levels of IgG against varicella-zoster virus and 21.5% were not immune against it. Immunity development had no significant relationship with the place of residence, education, job and the history of infection with chickenpox in the examined person as well as, her maternal education and occupation. Our results seem to indicate that pregnant women in this region need special care when it comes to contacts with chicken pox patients, given the sensitivity of a significant portion of this group to the primary varicella infection. Key words: Varicella-zoster virus, seroepidemiology, pregnancy, immunity