Immunologic studies of specific mucosal and systemic immune responses in Mexican school children after booster aerosol or subcutaneous immunization with measles vaccine.

The purpose of the present study was to compare serum and mucosal immune responses following either aerosol (Aer) or subcutaneous (SQ) measles immunization of Mexican school children. A cohort of 49 children from 6 to 7 years of age received either Aer ( n = 22) or SQ ( n = 27) Edmonston-Zagreb (EZ) measles vaccine. Serum and nasal secretions were collected prior to (Pre), 1 and 3 months (mos) intervals and analyzed for immunoglobulin (Ig) concentrations and measles specific Ig isotype-associated antibody by enzyme immunoassay (EIA). Serum and nasal IgG and IgA antibody responses were stimulated following immunization with live, attenuated EZ measles vaccine administered either by SQ or Aer routes but these responses were significantly greater by the Aer compared to the SQ route. These studies also suggest that the level of antibody in these secretions may serve as an important marker of immunity to measles and lend further support for aerosol immunization as an effective alternative vaccine delivery strategy for measles eradication.