Population seroprevalence study after a West Nile virus lineage 2 epidemic, Greece, 2010.

摘要: Introduction During summer 2010, 262 human cases including 35 deaths from West Nile virus (WNV) infection were reported Central Macedonia, Greece. Evidence mosquitoes, birds and blood donors demonstrated that the epidemic was caused by WNV lineage 2, which until recently considered of low virulence. We conducted a household seroprevalence study to estimate spread in population during epidemic, ascertain relationship clinical disease, identify risk factors for infection. Methods We used two-stage cluster design select random sample residents aged ≥18 years outbreak epicentre. collected demographic, medical, factor data using standard questionnaires environmental checklists, tested serum samples presence IgG IgM antibodies ELISA. Results Overall, 723 individuals participated study, 644 available. Weighted seropositivity 5.8% (95% CI: 3.8–8.6; n=41). estimated about 1 130 (1:141 1:124) infected developed neuroinvasive approximately 18% had manifestations attributable their infection. Risk reflected high exposure mosquitoes; rural particularly at (prevalence ratio: 8.2, 95% 1.1–58.7). Discussion This adds evidence 2 strains can cause significant illness, demonstrating ratios disease similar those found previously 1.