RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Predictive value of a self-reported history of varicella infection in determining immunity in adults
JF Canadian Medical Association Journal
JO CMAJ
FD Canadian Medical Association
SP 1195
OP 1196
DO 10.1503/cmaj.1031597
VO 171
IS 10
A1 Candice N. Holmes
A1 Karl T. Iglar
A1 Brenda J. McDowell
A1 Richard H. Glazier
YR 2004
UL http://www.cmaj.ca/content/171/10/1195.abstract
AB THE RECENT INTRODUCTION OF A VACCINE FOR VARICELLA has raised questions about whether, for adults, a patient's history of varicella infection is useful in determining if vaccination is necessary. We report findings on 184 family medicine patients aged 18 to 65 years who were asked if they had a history of varicella infection and were subsequently tested for varicella antibodies. A history of infection was positive for 114 (62%) of the participants and negative or uncertain for 70 (38%). All 114 subjects who reported a varicella infection history were immune. All 4 subjects who were not immune reported an uncertain or negative infection history. Except for people who are at increased risk of varicella infection or complications from infection, serologic testing may not be required for adults in the general population who have a history of varicella infection.