Seroprevalence of measles antibodies in children at school going age in Islamabad, Pakistan

ABSTRACT

To determine the seroprevalence of IgG antibodies against measles in school going children [age 4 to7.5 years] and to assess need of a booster dose. A serological study was carried out in different schools of urban and rural areas of Islamabad during 2006-2007. A total of 510 school going children aged between 4 to 7.5 years, were studied. The study included the consents from parents and principals of schools for collection of blood samples for measles antibody titer. Serum IgG antibodies against measles were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The protective IgG antibody for measles was found in 186 [86.9%] males and 248 [83.8%] females, respectively [P-value=0.327]. While among children of 4 to 7.5 years, 28 [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% and 93.1%, respectively. No significant difference was observed in antibody positivity according to gender [p>0.05]. The study showed that significant number of children remain unprotected against measles in childhood may be due to primary vaccine failure or inappropriate vaccination age. Expanded programme of immunization can review strategies for measels immunization