Varicella susceptibility in iran military conscripts: A study among military garrisons

Background: Promoting varicella vaccination for military personnel and conscripts, as one of the susceptible and high-risk groups, is an important governmental approach in every society. The present study aimed to address the seroprevalence of this infection and its immunization level among Iranian military conscripts. Objectives: This study was conducted to determine seroprevalence of varicella infection and its immunization level among Iranian military conscripts. Methods: Four hundred and sixty-four conscripts, using cluster-stratified sampling, were selected from all military garrisons in Tehran. Seroprevalence of infection among each participant was determined by measuring varicella IgG antibody level via the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: The mean antibody titer among the participants was 109.66127.47; 86.9% of studied samples were seropositive. Place of residence could somewhat predict the seropositivity against varicella; seropositivity was significantly higher in participants, who lived in the capital city than those wholived in other regions (OR: 4.008, 95%CI: 0.947 - 16.953, P=0.059). Age, education level, marital statusandduration of military were not associated with seropositivity. Conclusions: Susceptibility to varicella infection is considerably lower among military garrisons in Tehran and is mainly dependent on their place of residence. However, the current study could not provide a comprehensive picture of the immunological status of the varicella in Iran military garrisons, and we suggest further studies in more cities to aid with the design of immunization programs for these individuals.