PREVALENCE OF ANTIBODIES AGAINST VARICELLA-ZOSTER, HERPES-SIMPLEX (TYPE-1 AND TYPE-2), HEPATITIS-B AND HEPATITIS-A VIRUSES AMONG SPANISH ADOLESCENTS

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to assess the seroprevalence of antibodies against varicella tester (VZV), herpes simplex type 1 ( HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2), hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis A (HAV) vir uses in adolescents (14-17 years of age) in Madrid, Spain. At the stud y visit, demographic data and blood samples were obtained. The enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method was used to assess the prese nce of anti-VZV, anti-HSV-1, anti-HSV-2, anti-HBc and anti-HAV antibod ies. A total of 1191 serum samples were collected. Mean age (SD) and m ale/female ratio of the study population were 15.3 (1.1) years and 0.9 , respectively. Seroprevalences obtained were as follows: anti-VZV (94 %), anti-HSV-1 (46%), anti-HSV-2 (5%), anti-HBc (3%) and anti-HAV (5%) . These data show that Spanish adolescents should be considered a targ et group for prevention programmes against HSV-2, HBV and HAV infectio ns.