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Serological study of the epidemiology of mumps virus infection in north-west England

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  15 May 2009

D. J. Nokes
Affiliation:
Parasite Epidemiology Research Group, Department of Biology, Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine, Prince Consort Road, London SW7 2BB
J. Wright
Affiliation:
Department of Virology, Royal Preston Hospital, Sharoe Green Lane, Preston PR2 4HG
P. Morgan-Capner
Affiliation:
Department of Virology, Royal Preston Hospital, Sharoe Green Lane, Preston PR2 4HG
R. M. Anderson
Affiliation:
Parasite Epidemiology Research Group, Department of Biology, Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine, Prince Consort Road, London SW7 2BB
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Serum samples from individuals of a wide age range, collected in northwest England in 1984 and 1986, provide the basis for an analysis of the epidemiology of mumps virus infection. A radial haemolysis test yielding quantitative antibody measurements was used to screen samples for mumps-specific IgG. Analyses of resultant age-seroprevalence profiles, using statistical models, revealed an age-related pattern in the rate of infection per susceptible similar to that observed for other childhood infections. This rate, or force of infection, was low in young children, high in older children, and low in adults. In addition, the serological surveys provide evidence for time-dependent changes (both epidemic and longer-term) in the rate of mumps virus transmission. The longer-term changes, reflected in the pattern of the age-acquisition of specific antibodies, are supported by evidence from case notification data. The implications of temporal changes in incidence to the interpretation and design of serological surveys are considered.

Type
Special Article
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1990

References

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