MEASLES VACCINE;

RISK FACTORS FOR LOW ANTIBODY TITERS BEFORE AND AFTER SINGLE DOSE

Abstract

Objective: To determine the rate of sero-conversion after first dose of measles
immunization in children less than one year of age and to find out association between seroconversion
with nutritional status, URTI, fever and diarrhea. Methodology: Descriptive cross
sectional study of 6 month duration conducted at outpatient department, EPI center LUH
Hyderabad. Total 240 children between 9 to 12 months, who came for measles immunization
were enrolled. Pre-vaccination blood samples were obtained along with assessment of
nutritional status, and current associated illness like pneumonia, diarrhea and fever of each child.
The post vaccination samples were taken after 3 months. Measles antibodies were estimated by
using ELISA technique and titers were compared with controls supplied by manufacturers.
Results: The effectiveness of measles immunization was 87.5%. Statistical analysis proved that
association sero-negativity with clinical condition was insignificant (Chi square test, P value >
0.05). Regarding the pre-vaccinated status 222 (92.5%) were found negative for anti-measles
antibodies and 18 (7.5%) were found to be with persistent maternal anti-measles antibodies.
Conclusions: Measles immunization produces adequate immunological responses even
among malnourished children however a second dose is necessary to increase the efficacy more
than 95%.