Immunity against Influenza Type A among 4-14-Years-Old Children in Kerman, Iran

Influenza viruses are important causes of mortality and morbidity in children. The aim of this study was to assess the presence of antibodies (IgG) against Influenza A in children in Kerman, Iran. In a cross-sectional study, 200 children aged 4-14 years referred to Besaat Clinic and Afzalipour hospital for diseases other than influenza were enrolled. Sera were tested for anti influenza A IgG with NovaLisa ELISA kits (NOVATEC, Germany). Anti-Influenza virus A IgG was detected in 12% (24/200) of the sera. This group had the highest mean age [9.62 (7-12) years]. Among studied variables, only age was related to seropositivness for anti-Influenza A serotypes. The majority of children aged 4-14 years in Kerman had no immunity to Influenza A. So, they are at risk for influenza and its morbidity during possible epidemics of this infection.