Seroprevalence of measles antibodies and factors associated with susceptibility: a national survey in Mexico using a plaque reduction neutralization test

Abstract

Measles continues to be one of the leading causes of child mortality worldwide, even though a highly effective vaccine has existed for more than 40 years. We aimed to describe the seroprevalence of measles antibodies in Mexico in 2012 and the risk factors associated with susceptibility. A total of 7,785 serum samples were analyzed from the National Health and Nutrition Survey in Mexico. This national survey is representative of the general population, including noninstitutionalized adult, adolescent, and child populations. Antibody titers were classified into protective (> 120 mIU/mL) or susceptible (≤ 120 mIU/mL) levels. The weighted seroprevalence and susceptibility of the overall population were 99.37% (95% CI 99.07–99.58) and 0.63% (95% CI 0.42–0.93), respectively. Among 1-to-4-year-old children, 2.18% (95% CI 1.36–3.48) were susceptible to measles. Among adolescents and young adults, the prevalence of susceptibility was as follows: those 15–19 years of age had a prevalence of 0.22% (95% CI 0.09–0.57), and those 30–39 years of age had a prevalence of 1.17% (95% CI 0.47–2.85). Susceptibility was associated with young age, living in Mexico City, living in crowded households and unknown or nonvaccinated status among 1- to 5-year-old children. Although the overall sample population seroprevalence for measles is above 95%, increased susceptibility among younger children signals the importance of the timely administration of the first vaccine dose at 12 months of age. Furthermore, increased susceptibility among specific subgroups indicates the need to reinforce current vaccination policies, including the immunization of unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated individuals from 10 to 39 years of age.

Risk of Absence of Measles Antibody in Healthcare Personnel and Efficacy of Booster Vaccination

“…Differences in seropositivity between males and females also support our hypothesis. In studies conducted in other countries, there was no difference in the measles seroprevalence according to sex [ 16 , 17 , 18 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 ]. However, in our study, m-IgG seropositive rate in males was higher than that of females.…”

Population measles seroprevalence: Heterogeneity by birth-year cohort

“…The seroprevalence weighted proportion of our study was lower than that reported in the study by Diaz-Ortega et al , conducted in Mexico in 2012, who obtained a weighted prevalence of 99.37% (95% CI 99.07–99.58), using a plaque-reduction neutralization test. 32 They also found higher susceptibility in the group from 30 to 39 years of age. 32 …”

“…Diaz-Ortega et al , have observed as factors associated with susceptibility to measles at young ages, living in the country's capital, living in overcrowded conditions, and having an unknown vaccination stause or not having received a vaccine against measles between 1 and 5 years of age. 32 In Haiti, in 2017, Minta et al, observed higher susceptibility in regions where vaccine coverages were lower, using a multiplex bead assay to determine antibodies against measles. 37 …”

Serological investigation of vaccine-induced antibodies for measles, rubella, and yellow fever viruses in children vertically exposed to Zika virus or with down syndrome

“…The group we were interested in this study were children aged between 1 and 4 years, of which 2.18% were susceptible to measles. The authors concluded that susceptibility was associated with young age, living in Mexico City, living in crowded households, and unknown or unvaccinated status among children ages 1–5 years, and drew attention to the importance of timely administration of the first dose of the vaccine at 12 months of age ( 37 ). Therefore, seroprevalence studies in the vaccinated population are important to assess the risks, show the real epidemiological conditions and indicate the reevaluation of the current immunization program in the country.…”