Seroprevalence of measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella-zoster antibodies in new female nurses in the Republic of Korea

Abstract

Background For health care workers, immune management plays an important role in the protection against infectious diseases. This study investigated the seroprevalence of measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella-zoster in newly employed female nurses. Methods We conducted a survey on the seroprevalence of measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella-zoster in newly employed female nurses at a university hospital from 2011 to 2019, before the nurses were given their department placements and duty start. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent and chemiluminescence immunoassays were used to detect immunoglobulin G antibodies. We analyzed whether there was a significant difference in seroprevalence depending on the age, birth year, birth season, and region of residence (metropolitan residency: yes or no). Results The arithmetic mean ages of the participants were 28.6 ± 4.8, 23.5 ± 3.2, 23.6 ± 3.0, and 26.1 ± 4.5 years for measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella-zoster, respectively. The seropositivity rates were 93.9% (551/587), 60.2% (50/83), 83.3% (3,093/3,711), and 89.5% (978/1,093) for measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella-zoster, respectively. Significant differences in the seroprevalence when assessed according to the age and birth year were noted with measles, while significant differences in the seroprevalence were only noted with rubella and varicella-zoster when assessed according to birth year and age, respectively. Conclusions In this study, we identified the levels of antibody prevalence in new female nurses. Considering the seropositivity levels, cost-effectiveness, and convenience for the participants, we recommend that the measles-mumps-rubella vaccination be provided without serologic testing for all new female nurses and the varicella-zoster vaccination only be performed for persons who are negative after serologic testing. And it would be useful if the vaccinations were combined with compulsory worker health examinations, such as the pre-placement health examinations.

Seroprevalence of Varicella-Zoster Virus and Measles among Healthcare Workers in a Tertiary Medical Center in Korea

“…The present study showed 91% seropositivity for VZV among the HCWs. Our finding was similar to previous studies that reported a seroprevalence of over 90% in Korean adults [15,21,22,33]. The seroprevalence of VZV was higher than 90% in other countries, including Finland, Denmark, Japan, and Singapore [34][35][36][37].…”

“…These results could meet the population immunity threshold for varicella [38]. However, seroprevalence significantly decreased in younger HCWs in the present study, and this trend was also observed in another study conducted in Korea [15]. Furthermore, the seroprevalence of VZV in the younger population was lowered in Singapore [34].…”

“…In a previous study that evaluated the seroprevalence of measles in Korea, the seroprevalence declined with time in the general adult population, particularly in those born between 1990 and 2001 [13]. The seroprevalence of measles in healthcare workers (HCWs) also reduced with time and was reported to be between 40% and 90% in HCWs who were born in the 1990s [14][15][16][17][18]. The waning effect of immunity might cause a decrease in the seroprevalence of measles [16].…”

“…Vaccines 2022, 10, 1956 2 of 10 Seroprevalence of the varicella-zoster virus (VZV) was high and reached over 90% of the general adult population in Korea [21,22]. Recently, one study reported the seroprevalence of measles, mumps, rubella, and VZV in nurses in a tertiary hospital [15]. Although the seroprevalence of VZV is approximately 90% in all nurses, the seroprevalence of VZV significantly declined to 86% in young nurses.…”

Susceptibility towards Chickenpox, Measles and Rubella among Healthcare Workers at a Teaching Hospital in Rome

“…In the occupational setting a screening and vaccination strategy for healthcare workers is needed, especially considering that there is usually a low correlation between self-reported immunity and seropositivity [ 21 ]. Some Authors suggest to provide measles-mumps-rubella vaccination without performing serologic testing for new HCWs, and the varicella-zoster vaccination only for those who are negative after serologic testing, using the compulsory worker health examinations as a possible setting [ 22 ].…”