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Decreased measles antibody response after measles-mumps-rubella vaccine in infants with colds
M S Krober1, C E Stracener, J W Bass
1Department of Pediatrics, Madigan Army Medical Center, Tacoma, Wash 98431-5295.
Insights
Infants with common colds have a higher failure rate for measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccination. This suggests that upper respiratory tract infections can interfere with successful immunization in children, potentially causing primary measles vaccine failures.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is a standard immunization for children.
- The impact of common colds or afebrile upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) on vaccine efficacy is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether common colds or URTIs affect the success rate of MMR vaccination in infants.
- To determine if URTIs contribute to primary measles vaccine failures.
Main Methods:
- Infants aged 15-18 months were divided into two groups: those with URTIs and a healthy control group.
- Both groups received the standard MMR vaccine.
- Serologic responses to measles vaccination were assessed by measuring measles antibody levels before and 6-8 weeks after vaccination using an indirect fluorescein-tagged antibody test.
Main Results:
- Ten out of 47 infants (21%) with colds failed to develop measles antibodies (seroconversion failure).
- Only one out of 51 healthy infants (2%) failed to develop measles antibodies.
- A statistically significant difference in seroconversion rates was observed between the two groups.
Conclusions:
- Infants experiencing common colds exhibit a significantly higher rate of measles vaccine seroconversion failure.
- URTIs may be a contributing factor to primary measles vaccine failures in pediatric populations.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms behind this interference and optimize vaccination strategies.
Abstract:
We examined the possibility that the common cold or afebrile upper respiratory tract infection might interfere with successful immunization in children who receive standard measles-mumps-rubella vaccine. Infants 15 to 18 months of age presenting at our well-child clinics for routine examination and immunizations were divided into two groups. Those infants with a history and physical findings of upper respiratory tract infection were compared with healthy control group infants who did not have upper respiratory tract infections, and who did not have a history of upper respiratory tract infection symptoms within the previous month. Both groups were studied for their serologic response to measles-mumps-rubella vaccination. Prevaccination serum samples were obtained prior to vaccine administration and postvaccination serum samples were obtained 6 to 8 weeks later. Measles antibody was measured in these serum samples by an indirect fluorescein-tagged antibody test. Ten (21%) of 47 infants with colds failed to develop measles antibody, while only one (2%) of 51 well infants failed to develop antibody. We conclude that infants with colds have a significant seroconversion failure rate associated with measles vaccine administration and that this may be the cause of some primary measles vaccine failures.