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Ten years of serological surveillance in England and Wales: methods, results, implications and action

K Osborne1, N Gay, L Hesketh

  • 1Immunisation Division, Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre, London, UK.

International Journal of Epidemiology
|May 19, 2000
PubMed

Insights

UK serological surveillance using opportunistic serum samples monitors measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) antibody trends. This data informs national vaccination policies and public health strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Public Health
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • The UK initiated age-stratified serological surveys for measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) antibodies in 1986/87, preceding MMR vaccine introduction.
  • Annual serum collection and testing have enabled continuous monitoring of antibody trends and facilitated ad hoc infection surveys.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the utility of opportunistic serum samples for ongoing serological surveillance.
  • To present findings from recurring and ad hoc surveys conducted over a decade.

Main Methods:

  • Residual sera are collected from participating laboratories and stored centrally, de-linked from personal data.
  • Each serum is assigned a unique ID, with age and sex data stored in a database for access.

Main Results:

  • Opportunistic serum samples have proven to be an effective resource for robust serological surveillance programs.
  • Analysis of collected sera over ten years provides valuable insights into infection exposure profiles.

Conclusions:

  • The serological surveillance program has established historical exposure profiles for numerous infections.
  • Data generated have influenced national health policies and significantly shaped the UK's vaccination program.
Abstract

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