Respiratory viruses in Jamaica: a virologic and seriologic study. 3. Hemagglutination-inhibiting antibodies to type B and C influenza viruses in the sera of Jamaicans

ABSTRACT

The results presented in this paper described a survey for hemagglutination-inhibiting antibodies to one type C and 2 type B influenza viruses in Jamaica sera. Antibodies to all 3 strains were found to be very common and the distribution by age of influenza B antibodies indicates that infections by the type B viruses occur in Jamaica primarily in the 5-to 9-year and 10- to 14 year age groups. A fairly widespread immunity to influenza B infection is evident in early adult life. The incidence and titer levels of hemagglutination-inhibiting antibodies to type C influenza virus increase throughout life. Primary infections is acquired during childhood and the increasing antibody titer levels with age suggest that reinfections are not uncommon. (AU)