A population-based serological survey ofVibrio choleraeantibody titers in Ouest Department, Haiti in the year prior to the 2022 cholera outbreak

Abstract

ABSTRACTAfter three years with no confirmed cholera cases in Haiti, an outbreak ofVibrio choleraeO1 emerged in October 2022. Levels of pre-existing antibodies provide an estimate of prior immunologic exposure, reveal potentially relevant immune responses, and set a baseline for future serosurveillance. We analyzed dried blood spots collected in 2021 from a population-weighted representative cross-sectional serosurvey in two communes in the Ouest Department of Haiti. We found lower levels of circulating IgG and IgA antibodies againstV. choleraelipopolysaccharide (LPS, IgG and IgA p<0.0001) in those below 5 years of age compared to those five years and older. Among a subset of patients with higher titers of antibodies, we were unable to detect any functional (vibriocidal) antibodies. In conclusion, the lack of detectable functional antibodies, and age-discordant levels ofV. choleraeLPS IgG, suggest that populations in Haiti may be highly susceptible to cholera disease, especially among young children.