AGE DISTRIBUTION OF LYMPHOCYTIC CHORIOMENINGITIS VIRUS SERUM ANTIBODYIN BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA - EVIDENCE OF A DECREASED RISK OF INFECTION

Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) is an arenavirus that causes human disease ranging from a mild, flu-like illness to meningitis. In fections occur principally in and around the home due to contact with infected mice. Data on the incidence of LCMV infection in the United S tates are scarce but suggest that the risk of infection may have decre ased over the past 30-40 years, To examine this hypothesis, sera from an age-stratified sample of hospital patients in Birmingham, Alabama w ere tested for LCMV antibody by ELISA. The overall prevalence of LCMV- specific IgG was 3.5% (56 of 1,600). The prevalence of antibody among those < 30 years of age was 0.3% (2 of 600), while the prevalence amon g those 30 years of age and older was 5.4% (P < 0.0001). Multiple logi stic regression was used to identify risk factors for LCMV seropositiv ity. Age was positively associated (P < 0.0001) and socioeconomic stat us was negatively associated with a positive antibody test result (P < 0.03). These data are consistent with a decreased incidence of human LCMV infection in Birmingham over the past 30-40 years.