ABSTRACT

Measles is a vaccine preventable disease which has a potential for outbreaks. Health Care Workers (HCWs) are the most vulnerable group to get infected. In this study measles seroprevalence of HCWs and the relationship of seroprevalence between age and occupational groups were studied.

The measles serology of 422 HCWs who were tested between January 2010 and January 2011 were searched from the electronic data system retrospectively. The names, ages and occupations were obtained from personnel registration department. Blood samples were examined for measles immunoglobulin G with micro-ELISA kit qualitative (NovaTec Immundiagnostica GmbH, Dietzenbach, Germany). Results were compared according to occupational groups (doctors, nurses, non-medical staff).

A total of 94% were immune to measles. Non-medical staff (91%) were below this ratio, while doctors (98%) and nurses (95%) were above. Although immune status to measles was more remarkable for the doctor group, no statistical significance was found (p=0.080).

Measles seroprevalence is increasing with age and is especially higher in medical staff rather than the non-medical staff.

Keywords: Measles, seroprevalence, health care workers