Variation in measles seroprevalence among medical students based on place and year of birth: Ege University experience

Measles, despite being a vaccine-preventable disease, remains a significant global health concern. It is crucial that healthcare workers, who serve as the first line of contact with infected individuals, are properly immunized. This study aimed to investigate changes in measles seroprevalence among Ege University Faculty of Medicine students between 2010 and 2024.

Medical faculty students who underwent anti-measles Immunoglobulin G screening at the Infectious Diseases Clinic of Ege University Faculty of Medicine Hospital, in İzmir, Turkey, between January 1, 2010, and January 31, 2024, were included in this study. The demographic data of the participants were recorded from the electronic patient files.

The study included 1,448 medical students, of whom 51.9% (n = 751) were male, with a mean age of 21.28 ± 1.48 years. Measles seropositivity was observed in 46.1% of the participants (n = 668). Among those born between 1998 and 2004, seropositivity was 23.8%, whereas it was significantly higher, at 67.5%, in those born between 1986 and 1997 (p < 0.001). Pearson correlation analysisof measles seroprevalence by birth year revealed a strong negative and statistically significant relationship (r=-0.964, p < 0.001). When analyzed by place of birth, the lowest measles seroprevalence was observed in the Eastern Marmara region (34.5%).

Our study emphasizes the substantial number of young healthcare workers who are still vulnerable to measles, posing a potential risk during outbreaks. Early screening and vaccination of medical students against vaccine-preventable diseases are essential during their education. This proactive strategy not only protects individuals but also strengthens herd immunity.