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Limited prevalence of influenza A/H1N1v antibodies: footprints of the pandemic of 2010

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Abstract

Background

The intention of our investigation was to determine the seroprevalence of H1N1v antibodies after a pandemic by the haemagglutination inhibition (HI) test. We included the serum samples of adults who had not received vaccination against H1N1v. By means of serological footprints, the spread of infection can be investigated.

Materials and methods

Between December 2009 and May 2010, we collected 233 serum samples from healthy people aged 1–72 years and analysed the titres of H1N1v antibodies by the use of the HI test.

Results

After the pandemic, a seroprevalence of 36.9% was observed. The highest rate of seropositivity was detected in the age group of 10–19 years (60%) and the lowest rate was found in the age group of 30–39 years (22%). The seroprevalence of H1N1v antibodies in females exceeded the rate of positive men (41.5 vs. 31.8%). Almost 70% of the influenza A/H1N1v infections were passed inapparently.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute for Medical Virology, J.W. Goethe University Hospital, 60596, Frankfurt am Main, Germany

    C. Reinheimer, R. Allwinn & H. W. Doerr

Authors
  1. C. Reinheimer
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  2. R. Allwinn
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  3. H. W. Doerr
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Correspondence to H. W. Doerr.

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Reinheimer, C., Allwinn, R. & Doerr, H.W. Limited prevalence of influenza A/H1N1v antibodies: footprints of the pandemic of 2010. Infection 39, 101–104 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s15010-011-0105-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s15010-011-0105-9

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