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Raising Epidemiological Awareness: Assessment of Measles/MMR Susceptibility in Highly Vaccinated Clusters within the Hungarian and Croatian Population—A Sero-Surveillance Analysis

Authors :
Dávid Szinger
Timea Berki
Ines Drenjančević
Senka Samardzic
Marija Zelić
Magdalena Sikora
Arlen Požgain
Ákos Markovics
Nelli Farkas
Péter Németh
Katalin Böröcz
Source :
Vaccines, Vol 12, Iss 5, p 486 (2024)
Publication Year :
2024
Publisher :
MDPI AG, 2024.

Abstract

Perceptions of the complete eradication of vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) may foster complacency and compromise vaccination efforts. Decreased measles vaccination rates during the COVID-19 pandemic have heightened the risk of outbreaks, even in adequately vaccinated populations. To address this, we have aligned with ECDC recommendations, leveraging previous cross-border sero-epidemiological assessments between Pécs, Hungary, and Osijek, Croatia, to identify latent risk groups and uncover potential parallels between our nations. Testing 2680 Hungarian and 1764 Croatian serum samples for anti-MMR IgG via ELISAs revealed anti-measles seropositivity ratios below expectations in Croatian cohorts aged ~20–30 (75.7%), ~30–40 (77.5%) and ~40–50 years (73.3%). Similarly, Hungarian samples also showed suboptimal seropositivity ratios in the ~30–40 (80.9%) and ~40–50 (87.3%) age groups. Considering mumps- and rubella-associated seropositivity trends, in both examined populations, individuals aged ~30–50 years exhibited the highest vulnerability. Additionally, we noted congruent seropositivity trends across both countries, despite distinct immunization and epidemiological contexts. Therefore, we propose expanding research to encompass the intricate dynamics of vaccination, including waning long-term immunity. This understanding could facilitate targeted interventions and bolster public awareness. Our findings underscore persistent challenges in attaining robust immunity against measles despite vaccination endeavors.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
2076393X
Volume :
12
Issue :
5
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
Vaccines
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.376a24fd85bd407b8585165d3a247f0e
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12050486