Seroprevalence of measles virus infection among children in Zamfara state

Measles is a highly contagious disease characterized by fever, malaise, coryza, conjunctivitis, cough and maculopapular rashes. Although it is a vaccine preventable disease, it however continues to be one of the present day scourges of the developing world The study is a cross sectional involving children 10 years and below who were randomly selected by multistage cluster sampling from hospital each in local government areas from the three geopolitical zones of Zamfara state, Nigeria to determine the seroprevalence of measles specific IgM antibodies and the possible risk factors associated with the acquisition of the infection. Following informed consent a total of two hundred and twenty four (224) blood sample was collected. Study subjects were interviewed using self-structured questionnaires. Serum samples were analyzed using ELISA IgM kit (Diagnostic Automation and Cortez, Calabasas, CA, USA), in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines. Of the 224 serum samples screened 43.3% were positive for measles virus specific IgM antibodies indicating an active infection. The results shows decrease in sero-positivity with age, with the highest prevalence recorded in age group 0-2years (49.1%) and lowest among 8-10 years (25.0%). Males had slightly higher prevalence 44.2% compared to females 42.3%, though the result was not statistically significant, (P>0.05). Previous exposure to measles and crowded environment revealed significant association (P< 0.05).However no association was observed in relation to vaccination status and contact with infected individuals (P>0.05). This study confirms the presence of measles and indicate measles endemicity in the study area. However the study shows a reduction in measles burden among vaccinated children. Its presence among unvaccinated children might be an indication of insufficientKEY WORDS: Measles, IgM, Antibody, Elisa, Prevalence, Zamfara