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[Epidemiological analysis of immunity against vaccine-preventable diseases: rubella, measles, mumps and chickenpox]

S Buxbaum1, H W Doerr, R Allwinn

  • 1Institut für Medizinische Virologie der Universitätsklinik Frankfurt/Main, Germany. S.Buxbaum@em.uni-frankfurt.de

Deutsche Medizinische Wochenschrift (1946)
|December 26, 2001
PubMed

Insights

High rates of seronegativity, particularly for varicella zoster virus (VZV), were found in children and teenagers. This highlights the need for increased VZV vaccination in adolescents and emphasizes the importance of high childhood immunization coverage for preventing severe diseases.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Immunology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella zoster virus (VZV) are common childhood illnesses.
  • While typically mild, severe cases occur in immunocompromised individuals, and rubella poses risks during pregnancy (congenital rubella syndrome).
  • Vaccination is available and recommended in Germany, with recent VZV vaccination recommendations for unvaccinated teenagers.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To screen for immunity against measles, mumps, rubella, and VZV in various age groups.
  • To determine seroprevalence rates for these four viral infections.
  • To identify populations with low immunity and inform vaccination strategies.

Main Methods:

  • Serum samples collected from January 1999 to December 2000.
  • Antibody testing for measles (n=915), mumps (n=857), rubella (n=1886), and VZV (n=2291).
  • Seroprevalence analysis across different age demographics.

Main Results:

  • Higher seronegativity rates were observed in younger children across all tested viruses.
  • VZV seronegativity decreased from 74% to 32% with increasing age in children.
  • Rubella seronegativity was 40% in younger children and less than 10% in teenagers, who showed approximately 80% immunity.

Conclusions:

  • Significant seronegative rates, especially for VZV, were detected.
  • VZV vaccination is now recommended for seronegative teenagers in Germany.
  • Achieving at least 95% childhood immunization coverage is crucial for preventing severe disease and protecting pregnant individuals.
Abstract

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