SEROPREVALENCE OF MEASLES IGG AMONG HIV-1-INFECTED AND UNINFECTED KENYAN ADULTS

Monday, 7th of July 2014

[source]International Journal of Infectious Diseases[|source]

Currently, there is little information on measles seroprevalence among HIV-infected or HIV-uninfected adults in developing countries. Few non-Western data exist and results vary: in Iran, 45% of previously vaccinated adults were measles seronegative compared to <5% in Yemen. According to the 2009 Kenya AIDS Indicator Survey, over 7% of adults are HIV-infected; these individuals may not have responded to vaccinations or may have lost immunity.

 

In this report, the authors the authors measured Measles-specific antibodies in 257 HIV-infected and 367 uninfected adults in HIV discordant and HIV concordant negative partnerships. The report documents that there were no statistical differences in seroprevalence or antibody concentration between the HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected groups before concluding that reduced immunity among HIV-1-infected adults is not a major contributor to measles resurgence in Kenya. More details are accessible at: http://www.ijidonline.com/article/S1201-9712(13)00348-2/fulltext

 

 

Abstract

Despite global efforts to reduce measles incidence, outbreaks continue to occur in developing countries where HIV-1-infected adults represent a vulnerable population. Immunization campaigns have targeted children, although little is known about the levels of measles protection in adult populations in Kenya. The objective of this study was to determine seroprevalence and titers of measles IgG among HIV-1-infected and uninfected adults in Nairobi, Kenya. The presence of anti-measles IgG was measured in cryopreserved serum of 257 HIV-1-infected and 367 uninfected adults using a commercial ELISA (Enzygnost, Germany). The measles IgG concentration was calculated for those samples that were positive. Overall, 96% of adults were measles seropositive and the mean measles IgG concentration among those who were seropositive was 4134 mIU/ml, which is well above previously reported protective levels. There was no statistical difference in seroprevalence or antibody concentration between the HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected groups. While local vaccination efforts and circulating measles infection likely contribute to this high measles seroprevalence rate, these data are unique to an urban population and may not reflect a country-wide distribution. Our results suggest that reduced immunity among HIV-1-infected adults is not a major contributor to measles resurgence in Kenya.