Seroprevalence of Norwalk Virus and Mexico Virus in Chilean Individuals: Assessment of Independent Risk Factors for Antibody Acquisition
Open Access
- 1 October 1998
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Oxford University Press (OUP) in Clinical Infectious Diseases
- Vol. 27 (4) , 789-795
- https://doi.org/10.1086/514949
Abstract
Norwalk virus (NV) and Mexico (MX) virus represent distinct genetic clusters within the same genus of human caliciviruses (CVs), a major cause of diarrhea in adults. The magnitude and potential risk factors of human CV infection in populations from Santiago and Punta Arenas, Chile, were assessed. Individuals (n = 1,864) gave a blood sample and answered a questionnaire during a household survey. Sera were tested for antibody to NV and MX virus with use of recombinant capsid antigens. Overall, NV and MX virus seroprevalence rates were 83% and 91% in Santiago vs. 67% and 90% in Punta Arenas, respectively (P < .001 for NV virus). Lower socioeconomic status and increasing age were risk factors for infection with both viruses (P < .001). Consumption of seafood, consumption of vegetables, and child care center attendance were population risk factors for infection, but the association of a factor with a virus depended on the city. Prevention of human CV infections will require individual assessment in different communities.Keywords
This publication has 1 reference indexed in Scilit:
- Epidemiology of Norwalk Gastroenteritis and the Role of Norwalk Virus in Outbreaks of Acute Nonbacterial GastroenteritisAnnals of Internal Medicine, 1982