Comparison of neutralizing antibody titers against outbreak-associated measles genotypes (D4, H1 and B3) in Iran
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Ghazal Sadat Fatemi Nasab1, Vahid Salimi1, Simin Abbasi1
1Department of Virology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 14155, Iran.
Abstract:
Despite the accessibility of a promising vaccine, outbreaks of the measles virus (MV) take place even in well-vaccinated populations. D4, H1 and B3 genotypes have been detected regularly in different regions of Iran. These observations highlight the necessity of evaluating the protective efficacy of the vaccine against currently circulating MV genotypes during the elimination phase. A focus reduction neutralization test has been developed to measure the neutralizing antibodies against different genotypes of MV, such as H1, D4, B3 and vaccine strain (A), in children after second doses of measles vaccine. The geometric mean titer (GMT) rates of the sera against D4, H1, B3 and A genotypes were 95.9, 90.5, 32.0 and 76.1, respectively. Low GMTs of antibody against the B3 genotype compared with the other genotypes were indicated. Based on the current study results, the MV antibody titers in the sera of vaccinated cases are sufficient to neutralize all circulating genotypes in Iran; however, neutralizing antibody titers were lower for the B3 genotype than for the H1, D4 and A genotypes. The heterogeneous nature of MV, for instance the nucleotide sequence diversity between different strains, necessitates the evaluation of the protective efficacy of the vaccine against measles B3 genotype in countries where this virus has been the most commonly identified circulating genotype.
Insights
Measles virus (MV) outbreaks occur despite vaccination. This study found measles vaccine antibody titers are sufficient against circulating genotypes in Iran, but lower for the B3 genotype, requiring further evaluation.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Public Health
Background:
- Measles virus (MV) outbreaks persist even in highly vaccinated populations.
- Specific MV genotypes (D4, H1, B3) are prevalent in Iran.
- Evaluating vaccine efficacy against current MV strains is crucial for elimination efforts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the neutralizing antibody response in children after two measles vaccine doses.
- To measure antibody titers against circulating MV genotypes (H1, D4, B3) and the vaccine strain (A).
- To determine the protective efficacy of the current measles vaccine against prevalent MV genotypes in Iran.
Main Methods:
- Development of a focus reduction neutralization test (FRNT).
- Measurement of neutralizing antibodies in children's sera post-vaccination.
- Comparison of geometric mean titers (GMTs) against MV genotypes A, H1, D4, and B3.
Main Results:
- GMTs against D4, H1, A, and B3 genotypes were 95.9, 90.5, 76.1, and 32.0, respectively.
- Antibody titers against the B3 genotype were significantly lower compared to other genotypes.
- Overall MV antibody titers were sufficient for neutralization of circulating strains in Iran.
Conclusions:
- The measles vaccine provides broad protection against circulating MV genotypes in Iran.
- Lower antibody titers against the B3 genotype warrant further investigation, especially in regions where it is common.
- Continued monitoring and evaluation of vaccine effectiveness against diverse and evolving MV genotypes are necessary for global measles elimination.
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