Evaluation of Varicella Immune Status in an Obstetric Population in Relation to Place of Birth

Jay M. Goldberg; Harry K. Ziel; Raoul Burchette

doi:10.1055/s-2002-35613

American Journal of Perinatology, Table of Contents

Am J Perinatol 2002; 19(7): 387-394
DOI: 10.1055/s-2002-35613

Evaluation of Varicella Immune Status in an Obstetric Population in Relation to Place of Birth

Jay M. Goldberg¹ , Harry K. Ziel² , Raoul Burchette³

¹Department of Obstetrics, Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, Los Angeles
²Department of Gynecology, Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, Los Angeles
³Department of Research and Evaluation, Southern California Permanente Medical Group, Pasadena, California

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Obstetric populations born in tropical or subtropical regions are likely to be seronegative for varicella virus; obstetric populations containing a large proportion of women born in tropical or subtropical regions will benefit greatly from being screened for varicella immunity. Physicians should therefore know the geographic origin of the community they serve and should consider testing varicella immunity in their obstetric patients born in tropical or subtropical regions. To ensure that passive immunization is received when indicated, physicians should obtain serostatus without relying on patients' recollection of their exposure to varicella virus.

KEYWORDS

Antibodies - viral chickenpox - chickenpox vaccine - cost-benefit analysis - emigration and immigration - pregnancy - tropical climate - vaccination - varicella vaccine - varicella

Full Text

References

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