Prevalence of antibodies against orthopoxviruses among residents of Likouala region, Republic of Congo: Evidence for Monkeypox virus exposure

Edith R. Lederman, Mary G. Reynolds, Kevin Karem, Zachary Braden, Lynne A. Learned-Orozco, Demole Wassa-Wassa, Omba Moundeli, Christine Hughes, Joseph Harvey, Russell Regnery, Jean Vivien Mombouli, Inger K. Damon

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

54 Scopus citations

Abstract

Monkeypox virus is a zoonotic orthopoxvirus (OPX) of west and central sub-Saharan Africa. We conducted a cross-sectional serosurvey in Likouala region, Republic of Congo to assess exposure to OPX. Whole blood was collected using Nobuto blood filter strips (NBFS). Titers of IgM and IgG to OPX were assessed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Demographic and clinical characteristics were compared with serostatus using the chi-square test or Fisher's exact test. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to evaluate factors for independent association with serostatus. A total of 994 specimens were analyzed; the overall seroprevalence for OPX IgM was 1.7%. Age < 25 years reduced the likelihood of OPX exposure, and persons living in Ngangania village had independently higher odds (odds ratio = 33.5, 95% confidence interval = 7.2-166). Blood collection for serosurveys using NBFS is feasible and practical. Adult activities such as hunting and carcass preparation may play an important role in exposure to Monkeypox virus.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1150-1156
Number of pages7
JournalAmerican Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
Volume77
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2007
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Virology
  • Parasitology

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