Rubella seroprevalence among women aged 15-39 years in Morocco

This study was designed to determine the age-specific rubella seroprevalence in women of childbearing age in Morocco and to contribute to the development of a rubella vaccination strategy in the country. Of 967 women aged 15-39 years tested in 2000, 161 [16.6%] were susceptible to rubella based on absence of IgG antibodies. A significantly higher rate of susceptibility among women aged 15-19 years was observed [29.3%] compared with age 35-39 years [8.3%]. An estimated 77 562 live births occur annually to rubella-susceptible women. No statistical difference in seroprevalence was seen between women in rural and urban areas [81.5% and 85.0% respectively]. A substantial risk of rubella infection exists for Moroccan women of childbearing age

[Evaluation of the response to vaccination against poliomyelitis and measles in malnourished children in Morocco]

We made a comparative survey of the poliovirus antibodies [anti-poliovirus type 1, anti-poliovirus type 2 and anti-poliovirus type 3] and the measles antibodies in malnourished but completely vaccinated children [37] and control children [34].The age range was 10 months to 5 years. Immunization in children with protein-energy malnutrition was low for both vaccines. Seroprevalence rates of the polio 1, polio 2, polio 3 antibodies and the measles antibodies in the control group were 94.1%, 97.1%, 91.2% and 82.4% respectively. In malnourished children the respective rates were in some cases significantly lower being: 40.5% [P = 0.001], 59.5% [P = 0.001], 40.5% and 35.1%. Malnutrition is a major determinant of the humoral response to oral polio and measles vaccines and must be given due consideration to prevent vaccination failure