MEASLES SERO-PREVALENCE IN CHILDREN AT SCHOOL GOING AGE

ABSTRACT

A serological prevalence survey was carried out in Islamabad during 2006-2007 to determine the status of Measles antibody in School going children in Islamabad. Blood samples of School going children were collected in randomly selected schools.

Aims & Objectives: The present study was carried out to determine the seroprevalence of IgG antibodies in school going children against measles and to assess strategic need of second vaccination dose for this measles disease.

Methods: A total of 510 school going children (4 to 7.5 years of age) residing in rural and urban areas of Islamabad, were studied. The study included the consents from parents and principals of schools for collection of blood samples and detection of Measles Antibody Titer. Serum IgG antibodies against Measles were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results: The protective IgG antibody level for measles found to be 86.9% and 83.8% between the studied male and female children, respectively (P-value=0.327). While among children of 4-7.5 years 13.1% males and 16.2% females had non-protective antibody level against measles. Although, a majority of children between 5.5 years and 7.5 years had shown to have high protective antibody against measles (92.3–93.1% respectively). No significant difference was observed in antibody positivity according to gender (p>0.05).

Conclusion: In the present study data showed that significant number of children remain unprotected against measles in childhood may be due to primary vaccine failure and or inappropriate vaccination age.