[Prevalence of anti-mumps IgG antibodies in a pediatric population].

BACKGROUND

To assess the prevalence of IgG antibodies against mumps virus, using an enzyme-linked immune assay, among a pediatric population aged from 2 to 14 years.

METHOD

Using a systematic sampling technique among rural and urban pediatric population in a sanitary Spanish area (Leon, Spain) we enrolled 800 children in the study. In all cases the vaccination status, prior history of mumps and also data regarding the place where the vaccination took place were recorded. The presence or absence of IgG antibodies against mumps virus was determined using a standard commercially-available technique (EIA Stat IgG Mumps).

RESULTS

Of all children enrolled in the study, a 76.87% +/- 2.92% showed a positive antibody response against mumps virus. The percentage of susceptible children to mumps virus was therefore deemed to be 27.13% +/- 2.9%. A total of 100 children (25.8%) of all 387 who were previously vaccinated did not show presence of antibodies against mumps.

CONCLUSIONS

In our study, the immunity pattern did not showed statistical positive correlation with all variables assessed: sex, place where the vaccine was given, residence (rural/urban). The high rates of vaccination coverage achieved among children aged 2 to 14 had induced a major change in the immune status, a 71.20% of children had IgG antibodies against mumps, that in nearly all cases had been generated by the use of the mumps vaccine.