Abstract
Hand-foot-mouth disease (HFMD) is a systemic and mostly uncomplicated infectious disease
caused by the virus of the enterovirus family and manifests as skin and mucosal lesions.
Enterovirus 71 (EV71) and coxsackievirus A16 (CA16) are the most commonly detected
infectious agents. It is generally observed in children under 5 years of age. In this
study, our objective was to determine the seroprevalence of HFMD in preschool children
in Sakarya region. A total of 380 children between 1 and 6 years of age were included
in the study. Sociodemographic information, clinical findings, and possible risk factors
were recorded on a data collection form. Later, serum anti-EV71 and anti-CA16 IgG
(immunoglobulin G) antibodies were measured by ELISA. Amongst the 380 children, EV71
IgG positivity was 57.9% and CA16 IgG antibody positivity was 57.4%. There was no
difference in seroprevalence between the genders (p > 0.05). Anti-EV71 and anti-CA16 IgG antibody positivity was significantly higher
in children aged 1, 2, 3, and 4 years than in 5-year olds (p < 0.05). Seroprevalence was significantly lower in children of mothers who washed
their hands before feeding (p < 0.01). High HFMD seroprevalence (> 50%) was observed in the preschool period in
the Sakarya region, especially in children aged 1 to 4 years. To prevent infections
for which there is no specific treatment, it is very important that the hygiene rules
are complied with; in particular, children and their caregivers should pay attention
to hand cleansing. We believe that more seroprevalence studies should be performed
from different regions to show the status of the disease in our country.
Keywords
hand-mouth-foot disease - Enterovirus 71 - Coxsackievirus A16 - seroprevalence
