Low measles seropositivity rate among children and young adults: a sero-epidemiological study in southern China in 2008.

To obtain sero-epidemiological profile and develop optimal strategies to promote measles elimination, we conducted a measles seroprevalence study using stratified sampling method in Guangzhou, southern China in 2008. 4036 samples were analyzed by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method and the overall sero-positive rate of measles antibody was 70.6% (95% CI 69.2-72.0%). Positive seroprevalences differed among age groups (P=0.000) and a W-curve distribution was observed. The 15-29 years group had the low positive rate of 58.8% (95% CI 54.9-62.7%). Catch-up vaccination campaigns should be promoted among susceptible population of ≤ 29 year olds including women of childbearing age.