Anti-measles antibody levels in healthy people in Jinshan District of Shanghai

Abstract

Objective To detect the levels of anti-measles antibody in a healthy population in Jinshan District of Shanghai and to provide references for making a better immunization strategy against measles in this area. Methods Stratified sampling was used to collect 390 serum sample in 12 age groups with an equal number of males and females as well as resident and floating population. Indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to detect the concentrations of IgG antibody against measles in different groups. Results The overall positive rate and protective rate of anti-measles antibody were 78.21% and 41.28%, respectively. No significant difference in the positive rates of antibody was found between males and females, or resident and floating population (P>0.05). Antibody levels varied significantly among different age groups (χ2=191.214, P 0.05). Conclusion The average level of anti-measles antibody was high in Jinshan District in 2015, indicating that the people in that area had a relatively high immunity to measles, but the positive rate of antibody needed to be further improved. Infants under 8 months old and people 10 to 39 years old were the main susceptible groups. It is suggested that measles vaccination efforts should be focused on susceptible population and women of childbearing age to improve herd immunity. Key words: Measles; Antibody level; Positive rate