Rubella virus neutralizing antibody response after a third dose of measles-mumps-rubella vaccine in young adults
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Published on: November 22, 2017
Huong Q McLean1, Amy Parker Fiebelkorn2, Adaeze Ogee-Nwankwo3
1Center for Clinical Epidemiology & Population Health, Marshfield Clinic Research Institute, 1000 North Oak Ave, Marshfield, WI 54449, USA.
Background:
Third doses of measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine have been administered during mumps outbreaks and in various non-outbreak settings. The immunogenicity of the rubella component has not been evaluated following receipt of a third dose of MMR vaccine.
Methods:
Young adults aged 18-31 years with documented two doses of MMR vaccine received a third dose of MMR vaccine between July 2009 and October 2010. Rubella neutralizing antibody titers were assessed before, 1 month, and 1 year after receipt of a third dose of MMR vaccine.
Results:
Among 679 participants, 1.8% had rubella antibody titers less than 10 U/ml, immediately before vaccination, approximately 15 years after receipt of a second dose of MMR vaccine. One month after receipt of a third dose of MMR vaccine, average titers were 4.5 times higher and >50% of participants had a 4-fold boost. Response was highest among those with titers less than 10 U/ml prior to vaccination (geometric mean titer ratio = 18.8; 92% seroconversion) and decreased with increasing pre-vaccination titers. Average titers declined 1 year postvaccination but remained significantly higher than pre-vaccination levels. The proportion classified as low-positive antibody levels increased from 3% 1 month postvaccination to 24% 1 year postvaccination.
Conclusions:
Vaccination with a third dose of MMR vaccine resulted in a robust boosting of rubella neutralizing antibody response that remained elevated 1 year later. Young adults with low rubella titers are more likely to benefit from a third dose of MMR vaccine.
Insights
A third dose of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine significantly boosts rubella antibody levels in young adults. This booster response remains elevated for at least one year, particularly benefiting those with initially low rubella titers.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Vaccinology
- Public Health
Background:
- Third doses of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine are used during mumps outbreaks and in other settings.
- The immunogenicity of the rubella component after a third MMR dose has not been previously evaluated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the immunogenicity of the rubella component of the MMR vaccine after a third dose.
- To evaluate rubella antibody titers in young adults before and after receiving a third MMR vaccine dose.
Main Methods:
- Young adults (18-31 years) with two prior MMR doses received a third MMR dose.
- Rubella neutralizing antibody titers were measured before, 1 month, and 1 year post-vaccination.
Main Results:
- A third MMR dose significantly increased rubella antibody titers (4.5-fold increase at 1 month).
- The response was most pronounced in individuals with pre-vaccination titers below 10 U/ml (92% seroconversion).
- Antibody titers declined after 1 year but remained higher than pre-vaccination levels, with a rise in low-positive antibody levels.
Conclusions:
- A third MMR vaccine dose elicits a robust and sustained rubella antibody response.
- Young adults with lower rubella antibody titers benefit most from a third MMR vaccine dose.
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