Inmunity Pattern against Measles among a Population of Children between 5 and 14 Years of Age

Abstract

The prevalence of measles-specific antibodies has been investigated in a sample of 631 children between 5 and 15 years of age from the León Health Area. The sample was taken systematically from the Child population using, during the first half of 1989, the travelling sample extraction and collection services which exist in this Area. Of the 631 children included in the study, 87.32% had specific antibodies against measles. Of those who admitted having suffered measles and those who presented a double history of suffering and vaccination, 94.75% were seropositive. Among children with a history of vaccination against measles, the prevalence of antibodies was 84.1%, and for those who did not report vaccination, nor having undergone the disease or who did not know their situation with regard to these two variables, the prevalence of antibodies was 76%. 15.9% of the children with a history of vaccination turned out to be seronegative. The inmunity status against measles only had a statistically significant relationship (p < 0.0001) with a history of vaccination and of having suffered the disease, with respective magnitudes of 1.5 and 1.6. No significant statistical differences were found in the prevalence of antibodies as a function of place of residence.