High seroprevalence of antibodies to varicella zoster virus in adult womenin a tropical climate

OBJECTIVES To determine whether the seroprevalence of antibodies to varicel la zoster virus (VZV) in adults is similar to that reported in tropical pop ulations elsewhere. METHODS We measured the seroprevalence of VZV IgG antibodies, using an enzy me immunoassay (EIA) in women attending an antenatal clinic in an urban cen tre in tropical Australia. RESULTS The overall seroprevalence of VZV antibodies in 298 women was 92% ( 95% CI 88-95), with no difference between women who spent their childhoods in the tropics and colleagues. None of the overseas-born women was seronega tive. CONCLUSION The seroprevalence of VZV antibodies in this tropical population in Australia is as high as that reported from temperate regions, suggestin g that social and cultural factors and population mobility are more importa nt determinants of age distribution of VZV immunity than tropical climate.