الفهرس 
MeaslesOnly 14 pages are availabe for public view
 |  | from | 250 |  |  |
| | | from | 250 | | |
Abstract
The present study was designed to estimate the level of measles immunoglobulin (IgG), in school age
children (6-<12years) in order to assess waning of humoral immunity induced by measles vaccine.
Also, to determine if there is a relation between measles immunity and nutritional status. This
study was conducted on 152 of Egyptian children (73 males and 79 females), selected form relatives
of children who were attending out patient clinic of Nutrition Institute. Information of all
children regarding previous vaccination against measles, as well as history of measles infection
were collected from mothers, and by checking of the child birth certificate. Assessment of
nutritional status was done by anthropometric measurements for weight and height. As for dietary
intake, the assessment was done by 24-hours recall history and food frequency methods for some
children ( 100 child) and analysis of diet was done based on the food composition tables
ofNutrition Institute of Egypt and compared with the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) of FAO/WHO.
Blood samples, were collected and analyzed for detection ofhemoglobin level. Sera were examined
for specific measles IgG antibodies by the enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique.
Among the studied children (55.3%) were non immune to measles (immunoglobulin (IgG) level less than
9 VE value), indicating a high rate of susceptibles in this age group (6-<12 yrs.). Seropositive
children were (38.2%), this may be due to previous exposure to infections. There was no statistical
difference between both age groups and between sexes concerning measles immunoglobulin (IgG).
However, the overall infection rate among studied children was 16%. Concerning nutritional status,
83.5% were of standard weight-for age. Prevalence of wasting was 7% of total children, while 15%
were under weight. Long-term under nutrition was observed by presence of high rate (20%) of
stunting. Prevalence of anemia was higher (59.5%) among female children. As for age, prevalence of
anemia was significantly higher (64%) among younger children (6-<9 years). Varying degrees of
inadequacy was observed in the studied children, concerning energy intake and other selected
nutrients (protein, iron, vitamin A & C). All children, who were subjected to dietary analysis
received less than 100% of their daily requirement (RDA) of energy, more than one third of children
received Jess than 100% of their RDA of protein. 43% of children received< 100% of their RDA
of iron.
Higher degree of inadequacy concerning vitamin A intake as 92% received less than I 00% of their
RDA. As for vitamin C, 34% of children received < I 00% of RDA of vitamin C. The most efficient
contributing factor was dietary vitamin C intake that showed significant
correlation with measles immunity (IgG). Conclusion: Gradual waning of antibody titer of measles
IgG was obvious among children in age group (6-<12 years), abooster dose of measles vaccine before
school entry might be given to reduce the number of susceptibles to measles and subsequently
control measles infection in Egypt.