among 291 persons of all age groups from cologne or frankfurt and environs who had been in contact with golden hamsters there were 17 ( 5.8 % ) with neutralizing antibodies against lymphocytic choriomeningitis ( lcm ) , while such antibodies were present in only 5 ( 2 % ) of 251 persons without such contact , the difference between antibody rates representing a probability of error of 5 % lcm-virus infections caused by golden hamsters occurred also in city dwellers , younger age groups and more females than has been previously the case , confirming an increased risk through contact with pet hamsters .
C0475463
neutralizing
C0003241
antibody