Seroepidemiology of Varicella Zoster Virus among Nursing Students in Nursing and Midwifery School of Langeroud

Abstract Varicella is a highly contagious viral infection with self-limiting presentation, yet, it can be more severe in adults. There is a major risk of transmission between health care workers and patients who are susceptible. This study was done to investigate anti-VZV (varicella zoster virus) antibody among nursing students. The anti-VZV IgG was measured in all nursing students in Nursing and Midwifery School of Langeroud who participated in this cross-sectional study. That is, the antibody was measured in 101 students by ELISA method. Seventy-three (72.3%) students had anti-VZV IgG, 27 students (26.7%) were seronegative and one student had borderline IgG. There are a noticeable proportion of seronegative nursing students who were susceptible to VZV infection. They can develop the infection from other staff and patients in hospital and also transmit it to others, especially immunocompromised patients. Therefore, it is recommended that we screen anti-VZV antibody in nursing students and vaccinate seronegative ones. Conflict of interest: non declared