Measles antibody level surveillance in healthy population in Tongchuan, Shaanxi,2013

Objective To understand measles antibody level in healthy population in Tongchuan, Shaanxi province, evaluate the effect of measles vaccination and provide evidence for the elimination of measles.Methods Blood samples were taken from the healthy population in 9 age groups randomly selected in 4 counties(district) in Tongchuan. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was conducted to quantitatively detect measles IgG antibody.Results The measles antibody positive rate in healthy population was 97.27% in Tongchuan in 2013,the geometric mean concentration(GMC) of measles antibody was 1794.05 mIU/ml. The differences in GMC among different counties(district) and between urban area and rural area were statistical significant. The GMC in age group 7 years was significantly lower than those in age groups 1 years,3 years and each age groups15 years. Compared with 2007,the overall measles antibody positive rate significantly increased.Conclusion The measles antibody level was high in healthy population in Tongchuan, suggesting that no measles epidemic would occur recently. But the measles immunization performance varied among the 4 counties(district), the measles immunization programs in rural area and unqualified areas should be improved. It is necessary to strengthen measles surveillance and conduct measles vaccination for children aged7 years in emergency and provide second opportunity for those who need vaccination.