Measles antibody titre in children up to 5 years of age in rural areas of Aligarh District, India.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the pattern of decline of maternal antibodies in 0-9 month old infants and to study the prevalence of measle antibodies and their levels in 9 month to 5 year old children, regardless of their immunization status.


METHODS
A cross-sectional study covering 456 children in the 0-5 year age group residing in 9 registered villages in a rural area of Aligarh District was conducted. The study included the interview of parents, clinical examination of children, and Hemagglutination Inhibition Test for Measles Antibody Titre.


RESULTS
There was rapid decline in seropositivity from 100% in the 0-3 month age group to 18% in the 6-9 month age group. There was a positive correlation (r = 0.77) between decline of seropositivity and age. Measle immunization coverage rate was 64.5%. In 202 children where immunization was confirmed by availability of card, sero-conversion was 96.5%. Of the 118 unvaccinated children, 9% were sero-positive. Of the 71 children who had a history of measles infection, 75% were seropositive indicating correct identification of measle infection by the parents.
Khan
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Department of Family & Community Medicine, PO Box 641, Abha, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Malik
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Pal
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Khan
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MY
D017677:Age Distribution; D000914:Antibodies, Viral / Q000097:blood*; D002669:Child Welfare / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003906:Developing Countries; D006801:Humans; D007115:Immunization Schedule; D007194:India / Q000453:epidemiology; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008457:Measles / Q000097:blood / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000276:immunology*; D008459:Measles virus / Q000276:immunology*; D011159:Population Surveillance; D012423:Rural Health / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D016036:Seroepidemiologic Studies; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014611:Vaccination / Q000706:statistics & numerical data
D000914:Antibodies, Viral