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Poliomyelitis, rubella, and dengue antibody survey in Barbados. A follow-up study
Insights
A 1972 Barbados survey found gaps in polio antibodies among children. Follow-up showed rubella vaccine immunity persisted, and dengue type 2 was the likely cause of infections.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Public Health
Background:
- A 1972 health and serological survey in Barbados established baseline antibody levels for poliomyelitis, rubella, and dengue.
- This study provides a follow-up assessment of antibody status in relation to the initial findings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To re-evaluate antibody levels for poliomyelitis, rubella, and dengue in a specific population.
- To assess the persistence of immunity following rubella vaccination.
- To identify the predominant dengue virus serotype circulating in the region.
Main Methods:
- Poliomyelitis antibody neutralization tests were conducted on sera from 307 children under 15.
- Haemagglutination-inhibition assays were used to assess rubella antibody levels.
- Dengue antibody neutralization and complement-fixation tests were performed.
Main Results:
- Absence of polio antibody at 1:2 dilution was observed in 13.7% (type 1), 6.5% (type 2), and 14.3% (type 3) of children.
- A significant correlation was found between polio antibody presence (types 2 and 3) and immunization histories.
- 88% of girls vaccinated with rubella vaccine (RA 27/3) in 1972 retained demonstrable antibody 4 years later.
- Dengue neutralization tests confirmed complement-fixation results, suggesting dengue type 2 as the sole infecting strain.
Conclusions:
- Gaps in poliomyelitis antibody protection were identified, highlighting potential public health concerns.
- Rubella vaccination (RA 27/3) demonstrated durable immunity.
- Dengue type 2 appears to be the primary dengue virus serotype responsible for infections in Barbados during the study period.
Abstract:
A follow-up study of poliomyelitis, rubella, and dengue antibodies has been made in light of results obtained in a 1972 health and serological survey in Barbados, W.I. Poliomyelitis antibody neutralization tests performed on sera from 307 children under age 15 using overnight serum/virus mixtures on microtiter plates at low serum dilutions revealed the absence of polio antibody at 1:2 dilution in 13.7% for type 1, 6.5% for type 2, and 14.3% for type 3 virus. A significant correlation of the presence or absence of poliomyelitis antibody to types 2 and 3 was seen with the response to immunization histories. Forty-three of 49 girls (88%) given rubella vaccine (RA 27/3) in 1972 had demonstrable haemagglutination-inhibition antibody 4 years later. Neutralization tests for dengue antibody confirmed the results of the complement-fixation tests and indicated that type 2 was probably the sole infecting strain.