Measles immunity in an Italian teaching hospital

Abstract Background Healthcare workers (HCWs) have an increased exposure risk to measles, which can put them, their patients and their relatives at risk of infection. In Italy, 4617 cases of measles were reported in 2017; 302 involving HCWs. According to the Italian National Immunization and Prevent...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Occupational medicine (Oxford) 2019-04, Vol.69 (2), p.143-145
Main Authors: Coppeta, L, Pietroiusti, A, Lieto, P, Ferraro, M, Grelli, S, Stillo, M, Magrini, A
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Disease Transmission, Infectious - prevention & control
Female
Guideline Adherence
Health Personnel
Health Surveys
Hospitals, Teaching
Humans
Infection Control - methods
Italy - epidemiology
Male
Measles - immunology
Measles - prevention & control
Measles Vaccine - administration & dosage
Occupational Diseases - prevention & control
Occupational Health
Vaccination - statistics & numerical data
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Summary:Abstract Background Healthcare workers (HCWs) have an increased exposure risk to measles, which can put them, their patients and their relatives at risk of infection. In Italy, 4617 cases of measles were reported in 2017; 302 involving HCWs. According to the Italian National Immunization and Prevention Plan, all HCWs should have demonstrable evidence of immunity to measles. Aims To evaluate measles immunization status in HCWs at a large Italian teaching hospital. Methods We analysed clinical records and measles-specific IgG antibody titres of HCWs undergoing occupational health surveillance between 1 January and 31 August 2017. Results Among the 1532 HCWs (mean age 32.7 ± 10.4 years) included in the study, 87% (1328) had protective antibody titres. The proportion of protective titres was highest in those born before 1982. No significant gender differences in mean measles-specific IgG antibody titres were detected. Conclusions Our study shows non-protective measles IgG antibody titres in a substantial percentage of HCWs, especially those born in the 1980s and 1990s. Due to the increased risk of measles transmission in the hospital environment, increased prevention strategies are required, including rigorous screening and prompt vaccination of non-immune workers.
ISSN:0962-7480
1471-8405
DOI:10.1093/occmed/kqy132