Assessing Seropositivity of Mmr Antibodies in Individuals Aged 2–22: Evaluating Routine Vaccination Effectiveness After the 2003 Mass Campaign-A Study From Iran’S National Measles Laboratory Publisher Pubmed



Ghafoori F¹ ; Mokhtariazad T^{1, 2} ; Foroushani AR³ ; Farahmand M^{1, 4} ; Shadab A^{1, 2} ; Salimi V^{1, 2}
Source: BMC Infectious Diseases Published:2024

Abstract

Background and purpose: The seroprevalence of antibodies against measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) was evaluated 17 years following a mass vaccination campaign in individuals aged 2 to 22 years who had received routine immunization but were not eligible for an extended immunization program. Methods: Samples were acquired from Iran’s National Measles Laboratory (NML), with individuals showing positive IgM results excluded. Out of the samples collected in 2020, a random selection of 290 serum samples was chosen, representing individuals between the ages of 2 and 22 years from diverse regions in the country. These samples were subjected to analysis using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to quantify specific IgG antibodies against MMR. Results: The seroprevalence rates of antibodies for measles, mumps, and rubella were determined to be 76.2%, 89.3%, and 76.9%, respectively. Younger age groups exhibited higher seropositivity rates for measles and mumps, whereas the 7- to 11-year-old group demonstrated the highest seropositivity rate for rubella. A reduction in antibody status was observed from younger to older age groups, particularly those aged 17–22. Conclusion: The study unveiled suboptimal antibody levels for measles and rubella, highlighting the necessity for further investigation and potential adjustments to future vaccination strategies. Moreover, the decline in antibody status post-vaccination can accumulate in seronegative individuals over time, elevating the risk of outbreaks. © The Author(s) 2024.