Seroprevalence of human parainfluenza virus type 2 infection among children (1-5years) in Zaria, Kaduna state, Nnigeria

Abstract

Serological survey was carried out to determine the level of Human Parainfluenza virus type 2
(HPIV-2) IgG antibodies in children aged 1-5 years. Blood samples were collected from 379
children who met the selection criteria in selected hospitals in Zaria. Serum IgG antibody level for
Human Parainfluenza virus type 2 was measured using commercial ELISA Kits obtained from
VIRION-SERION ELISA Classic GmbH Germany. Of the total number of 379 samples, 176 (46.4%)
were seropositive for parainfluenza virus type 2 antibody. There is statistical significance between
age and seropositivity. Highest seropositivity (69.0%) was seen in the sera of those in age group 4-
5 yearss and lowest seropositivity (23.2%) in age group 0 – 1 year (X2 = 38.734; P.value <0.05).
There was male predominance [91 (47.9%)] over females [85 (45%)] but the difference was not
statistically significant (X2 = 0.325; P>0.05). There was no association between the presence of
cough and catarrh/running nose with seropositivity (P >0.05). The results also showed that there
was no association between the presence of sickle cell disease and parental smoking with
seropositivity (P >0.05). Preventive programs against HPIV – 2 infection should be promoted
especially in younger children and research why reinfection occurs even in the presence of
neutralizing antibodies should be undertaken.