Seroprevalence of Aichi virus in a Spanish population from 2007 to 2008

Clin Vaccine Immunol. 2010 Apr;17(4):545-9. doi: 10.1128/CVI.00382-09. Epub 2010 Feb 17.

Abstract

Viruses are among the most common causes of acute gastroenteritis. In recent years, new viruses causing outbreaks of acute gastroenteritis have been described. Among these, Aichi virus was identified in Japan in 1989. Aichi virus belongs to the Kobuvirus genus in the family Picornaviridae. This virus has been detected in outbreaks of gastroenteritis associated with oyster consumption and in pediatric stool samples, but little is known about its epidemiology or pathogenesis. In the present study, the prevalence of antibodies to Aichi virus in a Spanish population was determined between 2007 and 2008 by using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). As in previous studies, a high seroprevalence of antibodies to Aichi virus (70%) was observed, with levels differing according to age. We observed significant differences in titers of antibody to Aichi virus among different age groups, grouped by decades. We report high ELISA and neutralizing antibody titers, and both titers fitted a sigmoid curve significantly. However, this virus is seldom detected; therefore, further studies are needed to gain a better understanding of its importance as a pathogenic agent.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Antibodies, Neutralizing / blood
  • Antibodies, Viral / blood*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Kobuvirus / immunology*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neutralization Tests
  • Picornaviridae Infections / epidemiology*
  • Seroepidemiologic Studies
  • Spain / epidemiology
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Antibodies, Neutralizing
  • Antibodies, Viral