The seroepidemiology of measles in Western Europe

Abstract

SUMMARYThe European Regional Office of WHO has targeted measles for elimination from the region in 2007. Large national, age and sex stratified serological surveys of measles antibody were conducted in seven Western European countries from 1994-8 as part of the European Seroepidemiology Network. Three patterns were observed in the country-specific measles seroprofiles, ranging from (very) low susceptibility (four countries) to high susceptibility (one country). Susceptibility levels amongst 2-4-year-olds ranged from 2n9 to 29n8 %, in 5-9-yearolds from 2n5 to 25 % and 10-19-year-olds from 2n1 % to 13n9 %. A country's susceptibility profile was highly associated with vaccine coverage for the first dose. First dose coverage ranged from 91 to 97n5 % for low susceptibility countries, 75 to 85 % for intermediate susceptibility countries and 55 % for the high susceptibility country. Only the high susceptibility country still reports epidemic measles. In low susceptibility countries, which have achieved or are very close to measles elimination, the priority will be to maintain high MMR vaccine coverage in all geopolitical units for both vaccine doses. In moderate susceptibility countries

Safety and Tolerability of 1% Pimecrolimus Cream Among Infants: Experience With 1133 Patients Treated for Up to 2 Years

“…The overall proportions of patients with protective antibody titers against tetanus, diphtheria, measles, and rubella were compared with the seroprevalence reported for general, age-matched, pediatric populations. [51][52][53][54] The vaccination history indicated that the proportion of vaccinated patients was consistent with the published data on vaccination coverage in agematched populations from low-and intermediate-susceptibility countries in Western Europe. [52][53][54] Analysis of the serum concentrations of specific antibodies revealed seropositivity rates of 94% for tetanus, 89% for diphtheria, 89% for measles, and 84% for rubella, which were comparable to rates reported in literature.…”

“…[51][52][53][54] The vaccination history indicated that the proportion of vaccinated patients was consistent with the published data on vaccination coverage in agematched populations from low-and intermediate-susceptibility countries in Western Europe. [52][53][54] Analysis of the serum concentrations of specific antibodies revealed seropositivity rates of 94% for tetanus, 89% for diphtheria, 89% for measles, and 84% for rubella, which were comparable to rates reported in literature. [51][52][53][54] Pimecrolimus exposure at the time of vaccination was substantial; the proportion of vaccinated patients who had received pimecrolimus at the time of vaccination was 53% for tetanus and diphtheria (4 doses), 55% for measles, and 47% for rubella.…”

“…[52][53][54] Analysis of the serum concentrations of specific antibodies revealed seropositivity rates of 94% for tetanus, 89% for diphtheria, 89% for measles, and 84% for rubella, which were comparable to rates reported in literature. [51][52][53][54] Pimecrolimus exposure at the time of vaccination was substantial; the proportion of vaccinated patients who had received pimecrolimus at the time of vaccination was 53% for tetanus and diphtheria (4 doses), 55% for measles, and 47% for rubella. There were no significant differences in the overall seropositivity rates between these patients and those who had not received pimecrolimus at the time of vaccinations.…”

Towards elimination: measles susceptivility in Australia and 17 European countries

“…6,7 These age-specific susceptibility levels could be estimated from high-quality historical vaccine coverage data (but only in populations with no measles transmission) or from population serological surveillance data. 8 Progress towards elimination can also be assessed from age-specific incidence data, but this is less useful when close to elimination because it is possible for susceptible age cohorts to go unnoticed for many years. Outbreaks in older susceptible cohorts have occurred in Europe in recent years and are serious because of the greater morbidity caused by the disease in older individuals.…”

“…8,12,13 The measles component of the original project included seven countries, and identified four with a low risk of outbreaks (England and Wales, Finland, France and the Netherlands) and three with an intermediate/high risk of measles outbreaks (Denmark, Germany and Italy). Germany and Italy have since experienced outbreaks, highlighting the importance of seroepidemiological surveys and the need for targeted action based on the results.…”