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Detection of measles- and mumps-specific IgG antibodies in paired serum and oral fluid samples from Norwegian
K Vainio1, H H Samdal, G Anestad
1Division of Infectious Disease Control, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Geitmyrsveien 75, Oslo, Norway. kirsti.vainio@fhi.no
Abstract:
The aim of this study was to measure the seroprevalence to mumps in Norwegian conscripts belonging to the first children vaccination cohorts that had been offered two doses of MMR vaccine. The seroprevalence to mumps was 76% with the Microimmune assay and 85% with the Enzygnost assay. We also compared the performance of the Microimmune assay for detection of mumps- and measles-specific IgG antibodies in 340 paired serum and oral fluid samples from the conscripts and evaluated the effect of revaccination. Mumps-specific IgG antibodies were detected in only 61% of the oral fluids. In contrast, high levels of measles-specific IgG antibodies were detected in both the serum and oral fluid samples. Based on these results, we are only able to recommend the use of oral fluid for surveillance of measles in Norway. Our results may also indicate that the seroprevalence necessary to interrupt transmission of mumps has not been reached in vaccinated young adult Norwegians. Seroconversion was observed in all initially measles seronegative conscripts after revaccination, whereas 23 of 27 initially mumps seronegative conscripts failed to seroconvert.
Insights
Two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine did not achieve sufficient mumps seroprevalence in Norwegian conscripts. Oral fluid is recommended for measles surveillance, but not mumps.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Vaccinology
- Public Health
Background:
- The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is a cornerstone of childhood immunization programs worldwide.
- Norway introduced a two-dose MMR vaccination schedule for children, necessitating an evaluation of vaccine effectiveness in young adults.
Purpose of the Study:
- To measure mumps seroprevalence in Norwegian conscripts vaccinated with two doses of the MMR vaccine.
- To compare the performance of serum and oral fluid assays for detecting mumps- and measles-specific IgG antibodies.
- To evaluate the impact of revaccination on antibody levels.
Main Methods:
- Seroprevalence assessment using Microimmune and Enzygnost assays.
- Paired serum and oral fluid sample analysis (n=340) for mumps- and measles-specific IgG antibodies.
- Evaluation of seroconversion rates post-revaccination in initially seronegative individuals.
Main Results:
- Mumps seroprevalence was 76% (Microimmune) and 85% (Enzygnost).
- Mumps-specific IgG antibodies were detected in only 61% of oral fluid samples, while measles antibodies were detected in high levels in both serum and oral fluids.
- Measles revaccination led to seroconversion in all measles-seronegative conscripts, but only 4 of 27 mumps-seronegative conscripts seroconverted.
Conclusions:
- Oral fluid is suitable for measles surveillance in Norway but not for mumps surveillance.
- The current two-dose MMR vaccination strategy may not have achieved the herd immunity threshold for mumps in young Norwegian adults.
- Mumps revaccination appears less effective than measles revaccination in this cohort.
