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SUMMARYThe aim of the European Sero-Epidemiology Network is to establish comparability of the serological surveillance of vaccine-preventable diseases in Europe. The designated reference laboratory (RL) for measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) prepared and tested a panel of 151 sera by the reference enzyme immunoassay (rEIA). Laboratories in 21 countries tested the panel for antibodies against MMR using their usual assay (a total of 16 different EIAs) and the results were plotted against the reference results in order to obtain equations for the standardization of national serum surveys. The RL also tested the panel by the plaque neutralization test (PNT). Large differences in qualitative results were found compared to the RL. Well-fitting standardization equations with R 2 o0 . 8 were obtained for almost all laboratories through regression of the quantitative results against those of the RL. When compared to PNT, the rEIA had a sensitivity of 95 . 3%, 92 . 8% and 100 % and a specificity of 100%, 87 . 1 % and 92 . 8 % for measles, mumps and rubella, respectively. The need for standardization was highlighted by substantial inter-country differences. Standardization was successful and the selected standardization equations allowed the conversion of local serological results into common units and enabled direct comparison of seroprevalence data of the participating countries.

Information on the burden of hepatitis C virus (HCV) disease is needed to inform policy decisions on primary and secondary prevention. Specimen-based laboratory data (1989-2004) were converted to person-based data and combined with notification data (2004-2009) to describe the burden of HCV infection in Ireland. More than 10,000 people were confirmed as HCV infected in 1989-2004, with the numbers peaking in 2000. The predominant genotypes were 1 (55%) and 3 (39%). Drug use was the most likely risk factor in 80%, with receipt of blood or blood products in 16%. It is estimated that 20 000-50,000 people in Ireland are chronically infected with HCV, a population prevalence of 0·5-1·2%, which is similar to other countries in Northern Europe. This is the first published estimate of the number of chronic HCV infections in Ireland. These data will be of value in health service planning and will contribute to the understanding of HCV infection in Europe.

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On 6 November 2001, a possible case of leptospirosis was notified in a canoeist following a white-water event on the River Liffey. It emerged that a second race participant was also a possible case. An outbreak control team coordinated the epidemiological investigation, laboratory investigation, environmental assessment, communication and control measures. A cluster of six laboratory-confirmed cases of leptospirosis, serologically Leptospira interrogans serogroup Icterohaemorrhagiae was found. The attack rate was 9.2% (6/65). Fever, chills, red eyes and shortness of breath were significantly associated with being a confirmed case. Five cases were hospitalized. Swallowing more than one mouthful of water was associated with an increased risk of developing leptospirosis. Increased rainfall and release of hydroelectric water may have contributed to this outbreak. A multidisciplinary approach and use of the Internet and e-mail facilitated rapid and effective communication.