ABSTRACT
We determined the seroprevalence of a Sindbis-related virus isolated for the first time in 1975 from ticks in south-east Sicily and typed by Gresikova et al. in 1978. An indirect enzyme immunoassay based on viral membrane antigen for coating microtiter strips was used for the detection of immunoglobulin G to the Sindbis-related virus. The method appeared more sensitive than a similar enzyme immunoassay based on crude lysate antigen. Comparison of the results obtained from sera tested both by membrane antigen enzyme immunoassay and microneutralization test showed 92% agreement, while the agreement between microneutralization test and crude antigen enzyme immunoassay was 76%. An overall elevated seroprevalence (63.66%) was found in a population group living in and around the area of first isolation and seroprevalence in different age groups was also studied.
Subject(s)
Alphavirus Infections/diagnosis , Antibodies, Viral/blood , Immunoenzyme Techniques , Sindbis Virus/immunology , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Alphavirus Infections/epidemiology , Antigens, Viral/immunology , Child , Child, Preschool , Humans , Immunoglobulin G/blood , Infant , Middle Aged , Neutralization Tests , Reagent Strips , Sicily/epidemiology , Viral Matrix Proteins/immunologyABSTRACT
The seroprevalence to Toxoplasma gondii (41.1%), rubella virus (88.2%), cytomegalovirus (86.0%), and herpes simplex virus (80.0%) has been evaluated in fertile women living in Catania (Sicily). The population group studied was divided into four age groups to quantify the risk of primary infection in each age group.
