Seroprevalence Of Measles Antibodies Research Articles

Correlation of Herd Immunity to Measles Vaccination Rate and Disease Incidence

Background: Measles is one of the most contagious diseases faced by humans. Despite considerable progress, measles remains one of the leading global causes of death among children. Methods and Results: The seroprevalence of antibodies against measles in Kosovo was determined with a serological survey of measles. In total, 768 participants aged between 3 days and 45 years of both sexes were included. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay results revealed total seropositivity of 74.5% (95% CI: 0.70–0.88) among participants. Those in the unvaccinated 0–1.9-year age group had the lowest seropositivity (33.2%). The 2–6-year age group, which received one dose of the vaccine, had higher seropositivity (78.6%) than the youngest group. The 8–17-year age group, which received two doses of the measles vaccine, had significantly higher seropositivity (91.3%) than the 2–6-year age group. The highest level of seropositivity (93.4%) was observed in the 18–45-year age group. An analysis of sex-specific IgG antigen levels indicated that female participants had significantly higher seropositivity than male participants (P<0.01). Conclusion: The seroprevalence of measles antibodies in Kosovo has not yet reached the required 95% threshold, and the threat of a possible measles epidemic exists. An immunization strategy that targets vulnerable groups and the entire population is required.

Seroprevalence of Measles Antibodies in a Highly MMR-Vaccinated Population.

As an extremely contagious pathogen, a high rate of vaccine coverage and the durability of vaccine-induced immunity are key factors to control and eliminate measles. Herein, we assessed the seroprevalence of antibodies specific to measles in a cohort of 1393 adults (20-44 years old). ELISA results showed a nontrivial proportion of 37.6% study subjects being negative for measles immunoglobulin G (IgG). We also found significant influences of sex and age of the study cohort on the IgG level. Our findings suggest that even within a highly vaccinated population, a subset of individuals may still have sub-optimal immunity against measles and potentially be susceptible during any future measles outbreaks.

Seroprevalence of Measles Antibodies in the Population of the Olomouc Region, Czech Republic-Comparison of the Results of Four Laboratories.

Objectives: Although the incidence of measles has decreased globally since the introduction of regular vaccination, its frequency has increased again in recent years. The study is focused on data from the Olomouc Region in the Czech Republic analyzed in four laboratories. The obtained results were compared with already published data. Methods: The data were provided by individual laboratories in an anonymized form—age at the time of the examination, sex, and result of test. Samples were collected between June 2018 and September 2019 and evaluated on the scale positive–borderline–negative. Results: A total of 7962 sera samples were evaluated using three different methods—two types of ELISA tests and CLIA. Positive result was issued in a total of 62.6 percent of samples, but the results of individual laboratories varied widely from 55.5 to 70.8 percent. However, the same trend with the highest levels of antibodies in people born before beginning of vaccination was observed. Conclusions: Data show significantly different results depending on the individual laboratories and the detection kits used. The underestimation of the proportion of positive results can cause problems in selecting individuals for revaccination with a live vaccine, which may fail in weakly positive individuals.

Seroprevalence of measles antibodies among health professionals of Estonia

ObjectivesOutbreaks of measles have been reported in Europe, including in countries that have previously eliminated endemic transmission. Seroprevalence data are needed to predict the outbreak cycles. No published measles seroprevalence data is available from Estonia and only few from Eastern Europe have been published. The objective of this study is to describe measles seropositivity in Estonia. MethodsBetween February and June 2019, all 1300 health care workers of an academic hospital were invited. From the 738 (56.7%) respondent (90% female, mean age (SD) of 47 (12) years), IgG measles titre were measured. ResultsAmong the participants, 71% were seropositive. When data were further analysed according to vaccination birth cohorts, the oldest cohort (born before vaccination was introduced in 1964) had the highest seropositivity proportion (91%), vs. other birth cohorts with various types of vaccines (around 60%). ConclusionsMeasles seropositivity is lower than the threshold level to interrupt endemic virus transmission. No difference in seroprevalence among participants who received various types of measles vaccines.

Measles antibody seropositivity among children with allergic diseases: A cross-sectional study in the Japan Environment & Children's Pilot Study.

BackgroundThe relationship between allergic individuals and their responsiveness to routine vaccines has rarely been investigated. This study examined whether the seroprevalence of measles antibody differed between children with and without allergic diseases in the general pediatric population.MethodsThe cross-sectional study was performed within a prospective general birth cohort (a pilot study of the Japan Environment & Children’s Pilot Study [JECS]) of children aged 8 years. The clinical history of allergic diseases, measles, and the concentration of measles immunoglobulin G titers in serum enzyme immunoassay were examined. Fisher’s exact tests were used to assess the relationships between the allergic characteristics of the children and their measles antibody positivity rates.ResultsThis study included 162 children. Any allergic disease was reported in 75 (46.3%). The measles antibody positivity rate was 94.7% among children with any allergic diseases and 92.0% among children without allergic diseases. Our results revealed no differences in measles antibody seropositivity between children with allergies and controls.ConclusionsChildren with allergies mount and maintain a comparable immune response to the measles vaccine.

Seroprevalence of Measles and Mumps Antibodies Among Individuals With Cancer

Although patients with cancer are at an increased risk of infection-related complications, few studies have characterized their vulnerability to measles and mumps. Given the recent outbreaks and increased community vaccine hesitancy, understanding measles and mumps immunity within this population is vital. To identify a point prevalence estimate of protective measles and mumps antibodies among ambulatory patients with cancer. In this cross-sectional study, residual clinical plasma samples were obtained from consecutive patients with cancer at Seattle Cancer Care Alliance/Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle, Washington, in August 2019. These samples were tested for measles and mumps IgG using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Patients without cancer were excluded from the analysis. Patient age, sex, self-reported race and ethnicity, primary disease, receipt of chemotherapy in the past 30 days before sample collection, hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) history, and date of most recent intravenous immunoglobulin treatment were abstracted from electronic medical records. Measles and mumps IgG seroprevalence, defined as the proportion of patients with positive antibody test results, was measured overall and among the subgroups. Of the 959 patients included in the analysis, 510 (53%) were male individuals and the mean (SD) age at sample collection was 60 (15) years. Most patients (576 [60%]) had a malignant solid tumor, and 383 patients (40%) had a hematologic malignant neoplasm; 146 patients (15%) had an HCT history. Overall, the seroprevalence of measles antibodies was 0.75 (95% CI, 0.72-0.78), and the seroprevalence of mumps antibodies was 0.62 (95% CI, 0.59-0.65). The lowest seroprevalences were among patients with a hematologic malignant neoplasm (0.63 for measles and 0.48 for mumps), those with a history of HCT (0.46 for measles and 0.29 for mumps), and those aged 30 to 59 years (0.49-0.63 for measles and 0.41-0.58 for mumps). In this study, 25% of ambulatory patients with cancer lacked protective antibodies for measles and 38% lacked protective antibodies for mumps. Deficits in protective antibodies underscore patients' increased risk during outbreaks and emphasize the need for community-based efforts to increase herd immunity to protect this population.

Seroprevalence of measles antibodies among health professionals of Estonia

ObjectivesOutbreaks of measles have been reported in Europe, including in countries that have previously eliminated endemic transmission. Seroprevalence data are needed to predict the outbreak cycles. No published measles seroprevalence data is available from Estonia and only few from Eastern Europe have been published. The objective of this study is to describe measles seropositivity in Estonia. MethodsBetween February and June 2019, all 1300 health care workers of an academic hospital were invited. From the 738 (56.7%) respondent (90% female, mean age (SD) of 47 (12) years), IgG measles titre were measured. ResultsAmong the participants, 71% were seropositive. When data were further analysed according to vaccination birth cohorts, the oldest cohort (born before vaccination was introduced in 1964) had the highest seropositivity proportion (91%), vs. other birth cohorts with various types of vaccines (around 60%). ConclusionsMeasles seropositivity is lower than the threshold level to interrupt endemic virus transmission. No difference in seroprevalence among participants who received various types of measles vaccines.

Seroprevalence of measles antibodies and factors associated with susceptibility: a national survey in Mexico using a plaque reduction neutralization test

Measles continues to be one of the leading causes of child mortality worldwide, even though a highly effective vaccine has existed for more than 40 years. We aimed to describe the seroprevalence of measles antibodies in Mexico in 2012 and the risk factors associated with susceptibility. A total of 7,785 serum samples were analyzed from the National Health and Nutrition Survey in Mexico. This national survey is representative of the general population, including noninstitutionalized adult, adolescent, and child populations. Antibody titers were classified into protective (> 120 mIU/mL) or susceptible (≤ 120 mIU/mL) levels. The weighted seroprevalence and susceptibility of the overall population were 99.37% (95% CI 99.07–99.58) and 0.63% (95% CI 0.42–0.93), respectively. Among 1-to-4-year-old children, 2.18% (95% CI 1.36–3.48) were susceptible to measles. Among adolescents and young adults, the prevalence of susceptibility was as follows: those 15–19 years of age had a prevalence of 0.22% (95% CI 0.09–0.57), and those 30–39 years of age had a prevalence of 1.17% (95% CI 0.47–2.85). Susceptibility was associated with young age, living in Mexico City, living in crowded households and unknown or nonvaccinated status among 1- to 5-year-old children. Although the overall sample population seroprevalence for measles is above 95%, increased susceptibility among younger children signals the importance of the timely administration of the first vaccine dose at 12 months of age. Furthermore, increased susceptibility among specific subgroups indicates the need to reinforce current vaccination policies, including the immunization of unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated individuals from 10 to 39 years of age.

Seroprevalence to Measles Virus after Vaccination or Natural Infection in an Adult Population, in Italy

An increase in measles cases worldwide, with outbreaks, has been registered in the last few years, despite the availability of a safe and highly efficacious vaccine. In addition to an inadequate vaccination coverage, even in high-income European countries studies proved that some vaccinated people were also found seronegative years after vaccination, thus increasing the number of people susceptible to measles infection. In this study, we evaluated the immunization status and the seroprevalence of measles antibodies among 1092 healthy adults, either vaccinated or naturally infected, in order to investigate the persistence of anti-measles IgG. Among subjects who received two doses of measles vaccine, the neutralizing antibody titer tended to decline over time. In addition, data collected from a neutralization assay performed on 110 healthy vaccinated subjects suggested an inverse correlation between neutralizing antibody titers and the time elapsed between the two vaccinations, with a significant decline in the neutralizing titer when the interval between the two doses was ≥11 years. On the basis of these results, monitoring the serological status of the population 10–12 years after vaccination could be important both to limit the number of people who are potentially susceptible to measles, despite the high efficacy of MMR vaccine, and to recommend a booster vaccine for the seronegatives.

Comparison of the Seroprevalence of Measles Antibodies among Healthcare Workers in Two Korean Hospitals in 2019.

We performed a point seroprevalence survey of measles among healthcare workers (HCWs) at two Korean teaching hospitals in 2019. A total of 2,830 HCWs underwent an antibody test. The overall seropositivity of measles was 93.1%. The seroprevalence of measles was lowest in HCWs aged 20 - 24 years (81.2%), followed by those aged 25 - 29 years (90.1%). The rates of anti-measles IgG positivity were significantly different between the two hospitals (97.0% vs. 89.4%, P <0.001). These results suggest that the seropositivity of measles in HCWs may differ depending on the hospital's vaccination policy.

Seroepidemiology of measles in Beijing, China: a cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to assess the seroprevalence of measles and identify the high risk of measles infection in the general population of Beijing. A total of 2144 subjects aged 0–76 years old were selected using a multi-stage stratified sampling method. Socio-demographic characteristics, vaccination history, and disease history of measles were collected by questionnaire. Serum samples were tested for measles-specific IgG by using commercial ELISA kits. The overall seropositivity rate of measles was 79.80% (95% CI 78.1–81.5%) and standardized seropositivity rate was 84.61% (95% CI 84.12–87.10%), with the median concentration of 773.40IU/L. The area of Beijing with the highest seroprevalence was the central area [81.79% (95% CI 80.16–83.42%) and 855.84IU/L]. There were no significant differences in seropositivity rates of different genders (P = 0.074), history of measles infection (P = 0.421) and registered population (P = 0.598). The 1–4 age group had the highest seropositivity rate [94.06%(95% CI 93.06–95.06%)] and children below the age of 1 (0–12 months) had the lowest seropositivity rate [34.42% (95% CI 32.41–36.43%)]. The 30–34 and 35–39 age groups were relatively lower with 72.90% (95% CI 71.02–74.78%) and 74.65% (95% CI 72.81–76.49%) respectively. Seropositivity rates changed along with the incidence rates of measles periodically by years. As shown in the present study, the seroprevalence of measles antibody in Beijing have not yet met the threshold required to achieve measles elimination and therefore the risk of an epidemic of measles will be existing. Appropriate targeted immunization strategies and measures should be considered and carried out.

Seroprevalence of Measles Antibodies and Predictors for Seropositivity among Chinese Children.

Background: Supplementary measles immunization has been implemented since 2010 throughout China, yet few studies have reported its effect in the northwest regions. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among children aged 2 to 4 years old (n = 755) from February to September 2014 in 25 towns of Qian County, Shaanxi Province. Blood samples were analyzed for measles antibodies using enzyme-linked immunosorbent immunoglobulin G (IgG) assays. Socio-demographic factors were assessed by questionnaire. Data on vaccine dose were collected from town medical records. Univariate and logistic regression analyses were used to determine factors associated with measles antibody seropositivity. Results: Measles antibody seroprevalence was 91.13% (95% CI: 89.52–92.83) in our sample. Compared with children whose mother’s highest education was primary school, seroprevalence was higher in children whose maternal education was middle school (adjusted OR: 1.4, 95% CI: 0.7–2.8), high school (adjusted OR: 2.4, 95% CI: 1.3–7.7), and college/university (adjusted OR: 2.9, 95% CI: 1.2–9.3). Vaccine dose was positively associated with seropositivity. Conclusions: Measles seroprevalence is high in China and is associated with the mother’s education and vaccine dose.

Seroprevalence of transplacentally acquired measles antibodies in HIV-exposed versus HIV-unexposed infants at six months of age.

Background & objectives:Measles infection is reported to be more severe, prolonged and associated with a higher complication rate in children with HIV infection. Reports indicate that infants born to HIV-infected women [HIV exposed infants (HEI)] may be more vulnerable to measles. The World Health Organization recommends measles vaccination starting at six months of age in these infants who may be HIV-infected themselves. However, in India, they are given measles vaccination at nine months of age like all other infants. In this study, the seroprevalence of transplacentally acquired measles antibodies was compared in HEI and unexposed infants (HUnI) at six months of age and the proportion of HEI undergoing seroconversion after immunization with measles vaccine was assessed.Methods:In this prospective longitudinal study, measles IgG antibodies were estimated in serum of 49 HEI and 50 HUnI aged 6-7 months. Measles vaccine was then administered to HEI. Assessment for measles IgG antibodies was repeated 8-12 wk post-immunization.Results:Measles IgG antibodies were detected in two of 49 (4.1%) HEI and 16 of 50 (32%) HUnI. HEI were 11 times more likely to lack measles antibodies as compared to HUnI (odds ratio=11.05, 95% confidence interval=2.989-40.908). Post-vaccination, seroprevalence of measles antibodies increased to 38.5 per cent (P< 0.001) in HEI compared to 4 per cent at baseline.Interpretation & conclusions:Most HEI lacked measles antibodies at six months age and were, therefore, more vulnerable to measles than HUnI. Seroconversion in response to a single dose of measles vaccine administered at six months age was low in these infants, signifying the need of additional dose(s) of measles/measles-containing vaccine.

Decreasing Seroprevalence of Measles Antibodies after Vaccination – Possible Gap in Measles Protection in Adults in the Czech Republic

AimsIn recent years, Europe has recorded an increase in the number of measles outbreaks despite the implementation of vaccination into the National Immunization Programs. The Czech Republic introduced vaccination against measles into National Immunization Program in 1969. The aim of this study was to determine seroprevalence of IgG antibodies against measles in adults.MethodsOur study was designed as a prospective, multicenter cohort study. Samples of blood were taken from adults aged 18 years and over. Specific IgG antibodies were determined by ELISA method.ResultsA number of 1911 sera samples were obtained. The total seropositivity reached 83.3%, 14.3% of the results were negative and 2.4% were borderline. When comparing the individual age groups, the highest antibody seropositivity (> 96%) was detected in persons aged 50 years and over who were naturally infected in pre-vaccine era. The lowest seropositivity was recorded in the age groups 30–39 years (61.5%), 40–49 years (77.5%) and 18–29 years (81.1%).ConclusionsA long term high rate of seropositivity persists after natural measles infection. By contrast, it decreases over time after vaccination. Similarly, the concentrations of antibodies in persons with measles history persist for a longer time at a higher level than in vaccinated persons. Our results indicate possible gap in measles protection in adults born after implementation of vaccination into the National Immunization Programs. There are two probable reasons, decrease of measles antibody seropositivity in time after vaccination in setting of limited natural booster and one-dose vaccination schedule used in the first years after implementation.

Prevalence of Measles Virus-Specific IgG Antibodies According to Vaccination Schedule in Medical Students of Padua University

Aims: The goal of the present study was to establish the efficacy of the measles vaccine and the validity of the vaccination schedule adopted in Italy. Materials &amp; methods: The following procedures are adopted: analyze the compliance to the vaccination schedule; assess the seroprevalence of measles antibodies according to the year of birth and the number of doses; and investigate the persistence of positive antibodies post-vaccination. We gathered and elaborated data of both vaccination history and seroprevalence against measles in a large population of students (4195) belonging to the Medical School of Padua University (Italy). Results: Our results reveal a requirement for a two-dose vaccination schedule to ensure protection from the disease. Nevertheless, these results clearly indicate that the percentage of seropositivity reached using the two-dose strategy is below the percentage (95%) that ensures optimal population immunity. Conclusion: It is uncertain whether immune coverage persists when circulating antibodies vanish, but two vaccine doses should prevent disease outbreaks.

Seroprevalence of Measles Antibodies among High-Risk Healthcare Workers in Auckland, New Zealand: Additional Justification for Assumption of Age-Determined Immunity Based on Local Data

An outbreak of measles in another region of New Zealand prompted our organization to review the measles immunity of healthcare workers. Some studies suggest that age-specific immunity cannot be assumed. In our local setting, however, we found that 893 (98%) of 912 healthcare workers more than 40 years old tested seropositive for measles immunoglobulin G.

Seroprevalence of Measles Antibody in the US Population, 1999–2004

Endemic measles transmission was declared eliminated in the United States in 2000. To ensure that elimination can be maintained, high population immunity must be sustained and monitored. Testing for measles antibody was included in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), a nationally representative survey, conducted during 1999-2004. A measles-specific immunoassay was used to measure the seroprevalence of measles antibody in NHANES participants 6-49 years of age. For analysis, participants were grouped by birth cohort. During 1999-2004, the rate of measles seropositivity in the population overall was 95.9% (95% confidence interval [CI], 95.1%-96.5%). The highest seroprevalence of measles antibody was in non-Hispanic blacks (98.6% [95% CI, 98.0%-99.1%]). Those born during 1967-1976 had significantly lower levels of measles antibody (92.4% [95% CI, 90.8%-93.9%]) than did the other birth cohorts. Independent predictors of measles seropositivity in the 1967-1976 birth cohort were non-Hispanic/black race/ethnicity, more than a high school education, having health insurance, and birth outside the United States. Measles seropositivity was uniformly high in the US population during 1999-2004. Nearly all population subgroups had evidence of measles seropositivity levels greater than the estimated threshold necessary to sustain measles elimination. Non-Hispanic whites and Mexican Americans born during 1967-1976 had the lowest measles seropositivity levels and represent populations that might be at increased risk for measles disease if the virus were reintroduced into the United States.

Seroprevalence of measles among Norwegian military conscripts in 2004

The study presented here was conducted in order to evaluate the impact of Norway's childhood immunization program against measles, which was implemented in 1969. In the study, the level of measles immunity was measured among 1,405 military conscripts belonging to the first childhood immunization cohorts that were offered two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine. The overall seroprevalence of measles antibodies in this cohort was 89.3%. Two commercially available antibody assays were used, and the discordance between the two assays was 10.5%. Similar levels of immunity to measles were detected in earlier studies of Norwegian conscripts belonging to different childhood immunization cohorts.

The sero-epidemiology of measles in children from Eastern Turkey

INTRODUCTION Measles is a highly contagious disease usually seen in childhood. It can prove fatal and is primarily controlled by vaccination (1). In this study, the authors aimed to determine the seroprevalence of measles antibodies in children six years and under in Eastern Turkey and to identify the relationship between measles seroprevalence and several socio-demographic characteristics, and to develop the best vaccination policy for measles. The study sample consisted of 840 children, up to six years of age, from three provinces (Erzurum, Erzincan and Kars). The cluster sampling method was used for selecting subjects of a predetermined number in the rural and urban areas (2, 3). A composite index was used to determine the socio-economic level of the family (4).

Assessment of the association between measles vaccine response and asthma status

Rationale Both T-helper 1 cell (Th1) and T-helper 2 cells (Th2) play a role in determining humoral immune response. Asthmatics have been found to have a Th2 predominant milieu. However, it is not known whether there is a difference in humoral immune response between asthmatics and non-asthmatics. Thus, we determined whether humoral immune response in asthmatics differs from that in non-asthmatics. Methods Our previous study determined the seroprevalence of measles antibody at ages 5 to 12 years in a convenience sample of 876 schoolchildren in Rochester, MN, who had been immunized with MMR vaccine at 15 months of age. Circulating measles virus-specific IgG antibody levels in the subjects' sera were determined by an IgG whole virus-specific EIA (BioWhittaker, Walkersville, MD). For a group of 558 children from the original sample, we conducted medical record reviews to determine asthma status by applying pre-determined asthma criteria with documented reliability. The antibody levels were compared between asthmatics and non-asthmatics. Results There was no difference in humoral immune response between asthmatics (1.75 ± 0.85) and non-asthmatics (1.78 ± 0.73) (p=0.61). Conclusions We found that asthmatics had similar humoral immune response to non-asthmatics. Our data suggest no significant association between Th2 predominant milieu and humoral immune responses and reassure that asthmatics have normal humoral immunity.