A Study on the Immunity Level of 5-25 Years Old Population of Baft and Kahnooj Districts (Kerman, Iran) before and after M.R. Vaccination Mass Campaign in 2003

Abstract: Introduction: Measles Involves 45 millions and Kills 1.1 Millions in the World Annually. In Iran before mass campaign, the incidence rate of measles had increased dramatically. This study was done on 5-25 years old individuals in Baft and Kahnooj districts in order to compare their Immunity level, against measles, after and before the national mass campaign for M.R. vaccination (2003). Method: In this study, blood sampling was done twice. The first four weeks before and the other four weeks after mass campaign. Total number of cases were 1089, of whom 552 cases before and 537 cases after mass campaign were tested by E.nzygnost-Anti Measles Virus IgG Kit. In addition, demographic data such as sex, age, place of residency and history of vaccination were collected through a questionnaire. Results: According to the results mass campaign vaccination was considerably effective and increased seropositive cases from 42.6 percent to 100%. Before mass campaign, the level of seropositive cases among four age groups of 5-9, 10-14, 15-19 and 20-25 years were 46%,46%,41.7%, and 34.1% respectively. In regard to sex, before mass campaign, 46.4 % of males and 34.3% of females had seropositive responses. In Baft district 54.5% and in Kahnooj district 31.3% were seropositive. In urban areas 47.1 % and in rural areas 32.6% of cases had seropositive responses. All mentioned rates, increased to 100% after Mass campaign. Conclusion: According to the results, before MR. mass compaign immunity had reverse relation with age and M.R. mass campaign was significantly effective in rising the immunity to a favorite level (from 42.6% to 100%). Keywords: Measleas-antibady, Seroepidemology, Mass campign, Herd immunity