Enzyme immunoassay of antibodies to influenza A virus in Nigerian children.

Although attempts have been made to define the significance of influenza A virus infection serologically in children from developing countries, this has not been done in Nigeria. Based on this study of sera by the method of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay from 179 healthy Nigerian children aged between 0--5 years of age, a prevalence rate of influenza A virus infection of 40.22% has been demonstrated. This is more significant during 1--4 years of age and particularly between 2--3 years. The clinical significance of this finding is discussed: the high prevalence is probably related to high susceptibility due to genetic factors linked to ABO blood groups.