Prevalence of Antibodies to Enteroviruses and Varicella-Zoster Virus among Residents and Overseas Volunteers at Agricultural Settlements in Israel

摘要

The aim of the study was to determine the susceptibility of a presumably high risk population to infections caused by viruses with different modes of transmission. For this purpose, the prevalence of antibodies to several viruses was determined among overseas volunteers upon their arrival at kibbutzim and compared with that found among kibbutz residents. The viruses selected for antibody tests were divided into three categories according to their mode of transmission: fecal-oral route only 'hepatitis A virus (HAV)'; fecal-oral and respiratory routes 'Coxsackieviruses (COS) and echoviruses (ECHO)'; and airborne droplet and direct contact with the skin 'varicella-zoster virus (VZV)'. Seroconversion rates, i.e., acquisition of antibodies to the same viruses were measured in the volunteer group in order to determine the level of infection after a 2 month exposure. (Copyright (c) 1986 Alan R. Liss, Inc.)