Retrospective investigation of IgM antibodies against Zika virus in serum from febrile patients in Mozambique, 2009-2015.

OBJECTIVE: Zika virus (ZIKV) has emerged as an important health problem worldwide. The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence, geographical distribution and trend of immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies against ZIKV between 2009 and 2015 in Mozambique. RESULTS: The median age of participants was 3 years [interquartile range (IQR): 1.0-6.0 years)] and 56.5% (480/850) of them were male. Of the 850 samples, 42 (4.9%) were positive for IgM antibodies against ZIKV. Positive samples were found in 9 provinces of the country. Frequency of IgM antibodies against ZIKV was slightly higher in patients aged 5-9 years old, and in the north region of the country.

Retrospective investigation of antibodies against chikungunya virus (CHIKV) in serum from febrile patients in Mozambique, 2009-2015: Implications for its prevention and control.

INTRODUCTION: Longitudinal data and trends about chikungunya virus (CHIKV) are critical for its control, however in Mozambique very few studies were conducted over 5 decades, between 1957 and 2013. In this study, we retrospectively investigated the occurrence, geographical distribution and trend of anti-CHIKV antibodies between 2009 and 2015 in Mozambique using serum samples from febrile patients. METHODS: A total of 895 serum samples collected from febrile patients for measles and rubella surveillance between 2009 and 2015 in 127 districts of Mozambique were retrospectively tested for IgM and IgG antibodies against CHIKV using a commercially available ELISA. RESULTS: The median age of patients was 2 years (IQR: 1-5 years) and 44.2% (395/895) of them were female. We found that 54 (6.0%) of samples were positive for anti-IgM chikungunya, and 160 (17.9%) were positive for anti-CHIKV IgG. Antibodies against CHIKV (IgM and IgG) were identified in serum throughout 2009 to 2015. While frequency of IgG antibodies was significantly higher in 2015 as compared to other years, frequency of IgM antibodies was homogeneous between 2009 and 2015. Antibodies against CHIKV were reported in all provinces and in 84 (66.1%) of the districts studied. Frequency of IgM and IgG antibodies was not significantly similar between age groups. CONCLUSION: This is the largest and longest serological screening of antibodies against CHIKV in febrile patients in Mozambique and findings from this study suggest that Mozambicans from all over the country have been silently exposed to CHIKV for several years.

Seroepidemiology of Rubella in Mozambique, 2006-2014: Implications for Rubella Immunization in Settings With High Fertility Rates.

BACKGROUND: Rubella and congenital rubella syndrome are highly underreported and neglected in most sub-Saharan countries and vaccination has not yet been incorporated into their national immunization schedules. In this study, we investigated the frequency of immunoglobulin M antibodies against rubella and examined correlations with fertility rates during the period from 2006 to 2014 in Mozambique. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of data collected through the routine case-based surveillance system for measles in Mozambique. RESULTS: A total of 7312 serum samples from suspected cases of measles were tested between 2006 and 2014. The median age was 4 years (interquartile range: 1-8 years). Of these, 1331 (18.2%) were positive for immunoglobulin M anti-rubella. The highest frequency of rubella was observed within the 5-9-year-old age group (32.6%). The frequency in the age groups <1 years old, 1-4, 10-14, 15-19, 20-29 and ≥30 were 4.5%, 13.1%, 28.7%,18.7%, 5.2% and 5.1%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Our data show that rubella is frequent among women of childbearing age in Mozambique. Considering that early pregnancy is common in Mozambique, this suggests that, in settings such as ours, the introduction of routine rubella vaccination in children should be accompanied by repeated vaccination campaigns targeting older children and adolescents.