Swine Influenza Virus Antibodies in Humans, Western Europe, 2009
Author Information
Author(s): Gerloff Nancy A., Kremer Jacques R., Charpentier Emilie, Sausy Aurélie, Olinger Christophe M., Weicherding Pierre, Schuh John, Van Reeth Kristien, Muller Claude P.
Primary Institution: Centre de Recherche Public de la Santé/Laboratoire National de Santé, Luxembourg
Hypothesis
Do swine workers have higher levels of neutralizing antibodies against swine influenza viruses compared to matched controls?
Conclusion
Swine workers had significantly higher levels of neutralizing antibodies against swine influenza viruses than matched controls.
Supporting Evidence
- Swine workers had more neutralizing antibodies against pandemic (H1N1) 2009 virus than controls.
- Antibodies against SIV and pandemic (H1N1) 2009 virus correlated with each other.
- Controls also had antibodies against these viruses, although exposure was unlikely.
- Further studies are needed to determine the extent of serologic responses correlating with infection.
Takeaway
People who work with pigs have more antibodies against certain flu viruses than those who don't, which means they might have been exposed to those viruses more often.
Methodology
Blood samples were collected from 211 swine workers and 224 matched controls, and tested for neutralizing antibodies against three influenza viruses.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the lack of detailed information from control participants.
Limitations
The difference in the timing of blood collection from controls and swine workers may affect the results.
Participant Demographics
Mean age of swine workers was 48.2 years, with 67.8% male; controls were matched by age and sex.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.004
Confidence Interval
95% CI 7.5–10 for swine workers against pandemic (H1N1) 2009 virus
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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