Estimation Of Measles Sero-conversion in Children Vaccinated Against Measles in Edo State of Nigeria

Abstract

A study of seroconversion of 115 children between 9 months to 5 years vaccinated against measles was conducted in Oriowon local government area of Edo State. This has to establish the immune status of the children against measles after immunisation. Haemagglutination inhibition technique was used.



Prevaccination immune status was conducted and 89.6% of the children studied especially among the older ones between 2-5 years were found with protective measles antibody. The highest of the titre attained was 1.256. Exposure to endemic environment was attributed to this cause.



In the postvaccination assessment of the immune status, 94.7% developed protective measles antibody with a minimum titre level of 1:16, while 5.27% was not protected against measles. Among the highly protected children, 84.9% had a titre range between 1.64 and 1.1024.



The high measles antibody titre detected in the children before vaccination was thought could affect the measles vaccination, instead there was increase in measles antibody titre. This could indicate the potentiation of antibody development by the immunization.



Children were observed to have been vaccinated at older age than the scheduled age of vaccination. This was attributed to the attitude of the mothers.

Nigerian Quarterly Journal of Hospital Medicine Vol. 9, No. 2 (June 1999) pp. 169-171