University of Florence Researcher Updates Knowledge of Varicella [Seroprevalence Assessment of Anti-Varicella Antibodies among Adults in the Province of Florence (Italy)].

A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Florence in Italy aimed to assess the seroprevalence of anti-varicella antibodies among adults in the province of Florence. The study found that 89.5% of the 430 tested samples were positive for anti-varicella antibodies, indicating previous exposure to the varicella virus. No significant differences were found based on sex or nationality. However, the study highlighted the risk of varicella infection during pregnancy and emphasized the need for targeted immunization strategies, particularly for women of childbearing age. The researchers concluded that while varicella vaccination has had a significant impact on public health in Italy, efforts should be made to reduce the number of susceptible individuals in adulthood through increased promotion of vaccination. [Extracted from the article]