Natural immunity to influenza A and B among Saudi blood donors in Al Madinah Al Munawarah, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Objectives: To investigate the seroprevalence of influenza viruses (A and B) among blood donors in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Methods: The present investigation was conducted between April 2019 and July 2019. Participants were healthy adults recruited from the central blood bank Al Madinah Al Munawarah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels against influenza A and B were measured in serum samples using ELISA. Original Article Results: The results showed that 29.2% of the sample had significant concentrations of influenza A IgG antibody, whereas 38.6% had significant concentrations of influenza B IgG antibody. A strong correlation was found between the levels of influenza A and influenza B antibodies (r=0.708, p<0.001). The number of individuals identified as negative for influenza A IgG antibody increased with age (p<0.01). In addition, no correlations were identified between influenza A IgG and influenza B IgG and body mass index (BMI), (p>0.05). Finally, linear regression analysis showed that the level of influenza A antibody can be predicted by age (p<0.05) and body mass index (BMI) (p<0.05). Conclusion: Approximately one-third of Saudi Arabian adults presented significant levels of influenza A and B antibodies in our study. Demographic factors, including age and BMI, might contribute to influenza A antibody levels.

Distribution of influenza A and B antibodies and correlation with ABO/Rh blood grouping

“…Interestingly, a significant correlation between age and influenza B antibody levels but not with influenza A was found in our study, unlike Mahallawi et al study in which they observed the significance with influenza A but not B. 12 We found that for influenza A, the antibody level was highest compared to influenza B. Fourteen participants (5.5%) presented the highest antibody level the test can detect. Samples' dilution was according to the manufacturer's instructions in which 5 μl of the serum sample were added in 100 μl serum diluent, and no further dilutions done to all samples.…”

Live attenuated influenza vaccine induces broadly cross-reactive mucosal antibody responses to different influenza strains in tonsils

“…Influenza is a contagious disease caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. The virus infects host epithelia cells by binding of surface glycoprotein haemagglutinin (HA) to sialic acid receptor on the cell surface ( Barbey-Martin et al, 2002 , Mahallawi et al, 2020 ).…”

Incidence and seroprevalence of seasonal influenza a viruses in Egypt: Results of a community‐based cohort study

“…A study in Saudi Arabia noted that seroprevalence of antibodies against influenza A viruses was 29.2%. 13 Seroprevalence of antibodies against H1N1 was 30% in Mali. 14 A study in Nigeria estimated that 56.6% of pregnant women had antibodies against influenza A viruses.…”

“…The positivity titers 1:160 and 1:320 had the highest percentage at Follow up 2 for both H3N2 and H1N1. A study in Saudi Arabia noted that seroprevalence of antibodies against influenza A viruses was 29.2% 13 . Seroprevalence of antibodies against H1N1 was 30% in Mali 14 .…”