Seroprevalence survey on measles, mumps, rubella and varicella antibodies in healthcare workers in Japan: sex, age, occupational-related differences and vaccine efficacy

• DOI: 10.1017/s0950268813000393
• Publication Date: 2013-04-11T12:26:35Z
• Authors: S. KUMAKURA; H. SHIBATA; K. ONODA; N. NISHIMURA; C. MATSUDA; M. HIROSE
• Keywords: Seroprevalence; Seroconversion; Rubella vaccine; Measles-Mumps-Rubella Vaccine

A seroprevalence survey on measles, mumps, rubella and varicella was conducted healthcare workers (HCWs) at Shimane University Hospital, Japan utilizing an enzyme immunoassay. Of 1811 HCWs tested, 91.8% were seropositive to 92.1% 89.5% 96.3% varicella. Sex-related differences in found (males vs. females: 84.7 92.2%, P < 0.001). Moreover, males aged 30-39 years most susceptible (22.4%), which may be attributed the design of childhood immunization programmes Japan. Individuals ≤ 29 more measles (14.3%) mumps (10.9%), compared other age groups. There no significant sex- age-related seroprevalence. The physician occupational group rubella, but occupational-related difference observed diseases. Susceptible subjects, with negative or equivocal serological results given a vaccine induced seroconversion vaccinees. Seroconversion occurred frequently than group. These findings provide new insight for vaccine-preventable diseases Japanese special reference efficacy.