Seroprevalence of Pandemic H1N1 in China
Author Information
Author(s): Xu Cuiling, Bai Tian, Iuliano A. Danielle, Wang Min, Yang Lei, Wen Leying, Zeng Yuhong, Li Xiaodan, Chen Tao, Wang Wei, Hu Ying, Yang Limei, Li Zi, Zou Shumei, Li Dexin, Wang Shiwen, Feng Zijian, Zhang Yanping, Yu Hongjie, Yang Weizhong, Wang Yu, Widdowson Marc-Alain, Shu Yuelong
Primary Institution: State Key Laboratory for Molecular Virology and Genetic Engineering, National Institute for Viral Infectious Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention
Hypothesis
What is the prevalence of antibodies to the pandemic H1N1 virus in the Chinese population?
Conclusion
The Chinese population had low pre-existing immunity to pH1N1 and experienced a relatively high attack rate in 2009 of this virus.
Supporting Evidence
- The baseline seroprevalence of pH1N1 antibody was found to be 1.2%.
- The weighted seroprevalence of pH1N1 among the Chinese population was 21.5%.
- Children aged 6-15 years had a seroprevalence of 32.9%, the highest among age groups.
- Among unvaccinated participants, the attack rate of pH1N1 was estimated at 15.9%.
- Vaccinated individuals had a significantly higher seroprevalence of 62.0% compared to 17.1% in unvaccinated individuals.
Takeaway
This study found that many people in China got sick from the H1N1 flu, and most didn't have any protection against it before the outbreak.
Methodology
A nationwide serological survey using multistage stratified random sampling to collect serum samples and administer questionnaires.
Potential Biases
Potential recall bias in self-reported vaccination history.
Limitations
The HI assay may not be the most sensitive method, and there may be recall bias regarding vaccination history.
Participant Demographics
Participants included a diverse age range from 0 to over 60 years, with a near-equal gender distribution.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.0001
Confidence Interval
95% CI: 20.5–22.5
Statistical Significance
p<0.0001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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