Panit Takkinsatian1, Kamolmart Wannaphahoon1, Prasit Upapan2, Sansnee Senawong3, Olarn Prommalikit1. 1. Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Srinakharinwirot University, Nakhon Nayok, Thailand. 2. Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Srinakharinwirot University, Nakhon Nayok, Thailand. 3. Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: During the last decade, measles has become an important re-emerging disease in Thailand. The objective of this study was to measure measles seroprevalence and its influencing factors and to plan for an improved vaccination program. METHODS: A total of 600 participants aged between 9 months and 50 years were divided into seven groups those represent birth cohorts that experienced different measles vaccination policies. Participants' blood samples were obtained to measure measles immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels. RESULTS: None of the participants in the 9-month age group had measles IgG levels beyond a protective level. Participants in the following age groups: 2 ½, 5-15, 16-29, 30-33, 34-40, and 41-50 years had 82% (95% confidence interval [CI] 73.3-90.7), 50% (95% CI 36.1-63.9), 52% (95% CI 42.3-62.7), 70% (95% CI 61.1-78.9), 88.8% (95% CI 84.1-93.5), and 98.8% (95% CI 96.4-100.0) measles seropositivity, respectively. The study did not find any significant factors affecting measles seropositivity. CONCLUSION: Individuals aged 15-34 years are vulnerable to measles infections. Supplementary vaccination in special situations, including post-exposure prophylaxis during an outbreak among young adults or providing for high-risk occupations, such as healthcare personnel, should be encouraged.
INTRODUCTION: During the last decade, measles has become an important re-emerging disease in Thailand. The objective of this study was to measure measles seroprevalence and its influencing factors and to plan for an improved vaccination program. METHODS: A total of 600 participants aged between 9 months and 50 years were divided into seven groups those represent birth cohorts that experienced different measles vaccination policies. Participants' blood samples were obtained to measure measles immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels. RESULTS: None of the participants in the 9-month age group had measles IgG levels beyond a protective level. Participants in the following age groups: 2 ½, 5-15, 16-29, 30-33, 34-40, and 41-50 years had 82% (95% confidence interval [CI] 73.3-90.7), 50% (95% CI 36.1-63.9), 52% (95% CI 42.3-62.7), 70% (95% CI 61.1-78.9), 88.8% (95% CI 84.1-93.5), and 98.8% (95% CI 96.4-100.0) measles seropositivity, respectively. The study did not find any significant factors affecting measles seropositivity. CONCLUSION: Individuals aged 15-34 years are vulnerable to measles infections. Supplementary vaccination in special situations, including post-exposure prophylaxis during an outbreak among young adults or providing for high-risk occupations, such as healthcare personnel, should be encouraged.