RESUMO
Sera from an age-stratified sample of 1810 people from the Caribbean island of St. Lucia were tested for antibodies against varicella-zoster virus. The results indicate that very few infections occur in childhood which agrees with clinical survey data from other tropical countries, but contrasts with the observed high case rate in children in temperate countries. The alternative hypothesis which may explain these results are discussed, and it is suggested that high ambient tempertaures interfere with the transmission of the virus. Irrespective of the cause the pattern of varicella incidence observed has important implications for any vaccination policy adopted in tropical countries (AU)
Assuntos
Humanos , Lactente , Pré-Escolar , Criança , Adolescente , Adulto , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Idoso , Masculino , Feminino , Varicela/epidemiologia , Fatores Etários , Anticorpos Antivirais/análise , Ásia/epidemiologia , Varicela/imunologia , Ensaio de Imunoadsorção Enzimática , Europa (Continente)/epidemiologia , Simplexvirus/imunologia , Imunoglobulina G/análise , Incidência , Distribuição Aleatória , Herpesvirus Humano 3/imunologia , Santa LúciaRESUMO
A seroepidemiological study of the prevalence of mumps virus specific antibodies reveals a pattern of endemic persistence on the island of St Lucia in the West Indies. In the unvaccinated population the proportion seropositive rose rapidly in the child age classes to attain a stable plateau close to unity in value in the teenage and adult age groups. The average age at infection was estimated to be between 3 and 4 years of age and the average duration of detectable levels of maternally derived antibodies was approximately 3 months. Analyses based on mathematical models of the transmission dynamics of the virus suggest that in excess of 75% of each cohort of 1- to 2-year-old children must be effectively immunized to eliminate mumps virus transmission. A mumps radial haemolysis test, developed for quantitative measurements of antibody, is discussed.
Assuntos
Caxumba/transmissão , Adolescente , Adulto , Fatores Etários , Idoso , Idoso de 80 Anos ou mais , Criança , Pré-Escolar , Feminino , Humanos , Lactente , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Caxumba/epidemiologia , Caxumba/prevenção & controle , Vírus da Caxumba/imunologia , Testes Sorológicos/métodos , Vacinação , Índias OcidentaisRESUMO
A seroepidemiological study of the prevalence of mumps virus specific antibodies reveals a pattern of endemic persistence on the island of St. Lucia in the West Indies. In the unvaccinated population the proportion seropositive rose rapidly in the child age classes to attain a stable plateau close to unity in value in the teenage and adult age groups. The average age at infection was estimated to be between 3 and 4 years of age and the average duration of detactable levels of maternally derived antibodies was approximately 3 months. Analyses based on mathematical models of the transmission dynamics of the virus suggest that in excess of 75 percent of each cohort of 1-to 2-year-old children must be effectively immunized to eliminate mumps virus transmission. A mumps radial haemolysis test, developed for quantitive measurements of antibody, is discussed. (AU)
Assuntos
Humanos , Lactente , Pré-Escolar , Criança , Adolescente , Adulto , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Idoso , Masculino , Feminino , Caxumba/transmissão , Fatores Etários , Caxumba/epidemiologia , Caxumba/prevenção & controle , Vírus da Caxumba/imunologia , Testes Sorológicos/métodos , Vacinação , Santa LúciaRESUMO
Presents the health service model - primary health care system, secondary health care system and a tertiary system - centralised for the purpose of planning, co-ordinating and planning. Refers to the generous health services provided in which only 7 per cent of the population pays. Contends that the policy adopted is guided by global trends which suggest that not only the disadvantaged groups - women, children - but adolescents need to be considered. Suggests that the epidemiological picture be considered in health policy. Maintains that in the country's health services the policy is not to increase personnel but to increase productivity while increasing the quality and competency of the individuals.(AU)
