Comparative Studies on Prevalence of Maternal Antibodies Against Measles Virus in Children (0-36 Months) in Rawalpindi and Islamabad

Abstract

Measles is one of the most prevalent and serious infectious disease among children in the third world countries contributing to a high degree of morbidity and mortality unless they are either protected by high maternal antibody titer or by vaccination. Some work is still required regarding the optimum age of measles vaccination in developing countries. The present study was undertaken to find out the age where maternal antibodies declined and indicate the appropriate age for vaccination. A total of 606 blood samples were collected. 449 including 39 cord samples were collected from unvaccinated children between 0-36 months. 157 samples were analyzed for antibody response to live attenuated measles virus vaccine in 10-36 months. Haemagglutination Inhibition test (HI) was used to obtain stable titers. The percentage of maternal antibodies varied in each group. The highest antibodies 100% were observed in cord blood and 0-1 months of age group while lowest 17.39% in 9 months. A large increase in active immune response after vaccination was observed. The geometric mean titer (GMT) being significantly different before and after vaccination. At 13-24 months GMT was 5.038% before and 77.25% after vaccination. At 25-36 months GMT was 5.038% before and 87.2% after vaccination. It is concluded from this study that optimal age of measles vaccination in children is 9 months.