Sero-epidemiological study of measles after 15 years of compulsory vaccination in Alexandria, Egypt

Cases of measles among 165 vaccinated and unvaccinated children were studied and the level of measles antibody in 230 previously vaccinated children was determined. Associations between demographic factors and immunological response to vaccination were also investigated. Approximately 80% of the children with measles had been vaccinated; their cases had significantly lower rates of complication. Rural areas accounted for significantly higher numbers of unvaccinated cases. Vaccination status did not correspond to place of exposure, duration of prodrome or accuracy of preliminary diagnosis. The seropositivity rate among vaccinated children was 86.1% with no significant variation with age. We recommend a second dose of measles vaccine and maintaining high vaccine coverage

Cancer risk from passive exposure to cigarette smoke in the house-hold

The case control technique was utilized to estimate cancer risk from passive smoking in the household. A total of 197 cancer cases and a similar number of cancer free cases were included in this study. Cases and controls were matched for age and sex. An overall cancer risk from passive smoking was 1.8995 times in passive smokers than those not passively exposed to cigarette smoke. Adjusting for age, sex, marital status, education and occupation did not change this risk. The risk was generally higher among smokers than among non- smokers. A slight increase of cancer risk was revealed for those passively and actively exposed to cigarette smoke. Elevated risk was also demonstrated for respiratory and other intrathoracic organs, lymphatic and hemopoietic tissue, urinary tract and brain and nervous system