AGENTS AFFECTING HEALTH OF MOTHER AND CHILD IN A RURAL AREA OF KENYA .11. ANTIBODIES AGAINST ROTAVIRUS IN SERA FROM CHILDREN LIVING IN THE MACHAKOS DISTRICT OF KENYA

  • 1 January 1978
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 30  (4) , 531-535
Abstract
Sera from 207 children under 5 yr of age and living in the Machakos District in Kenya were tested in the complement fixation test for antibodies against rotavirus. Two different antigens were used. The superiority of O antigen over Nebraska calf diarrhea virus antigen was confirmed. After a fall to 29% in the 6-8 mo. age group, the percentage of children with antibodies quickly rises with age to 80% at the age of 24 mo. and to practically 100% at the age of 30 mo. This age-immunity curve suggests that the majority of children contract infections with rotavirus between 6-23 mo. of age. This conforms to the pattern usually found in temperate climates.