Abstract
Background: In Iran, despite the use of vaccine since 1976, we are still having local epidemics especially in the children aged 15-20 years old. Since 1996, the yearly epidemics of measles have been reported in these groups in Sistan-Baluchestan province, south east of Iran. The present study was conducted to determinate the level of immunity in this target population in Zahedan.
Methods: A total of 375 school-aged children were selected randomly from 8 schools in four areas of Zahedan city, Sistan-Baluchestan province, Iran, in 2000-1. Sera were separated in laboratory and examined for measles antibody. The titers of antibody against measles were measured using hem-agglutination inhibition method. A titer of 1:4 or more was considered as positive and protective to measles.
Results: A total of 298 samples (76.8%) were positive at the titer 1:4 or more. Among 375 of total cases, 349 students (93%) were vaccinated twice and 26 cases (7%) were vaccinated once. Only 78.6% of the former group was immune against measles and in the letter group, the titer of antibody was under the protective level. No significant correlation was found between sero-positivity and sex (P > 0.05).
Conclusion: It is concluded that the present vaccination program (at 9 and 15 months of age) for production of immunity against measles in this area is insufficient. A new vaccination program (at the age of 12 months and 4-6 years of age) can bring under control the measles by increasing level immunity.