Abdurrahman M B, Taqi A M
Afr J Med Med Sci. 1981 Mar-Jun;10(1-2):57-62.
Although an effective vaccine against measles has been available for several years, the disease is still prevelant in Africa. The disease is characterized by its occurrence in younger age groups and high morbidity and mortality. The African child is born with a high transplacentally acquired measles antibody level. However, the antibody declines rapidly, so that it is virtually absent after the age of 6 months. The measles vaccine with which the African child is immunized is of reduced potency because of poor storage and transportation facilities and the adverse effect of tropical climate on the vaccine. The pattern of measles immunity in Africa is different from that in developed countries. Measles immunization schedule in Africa, as in any other part of the world, must be based on sound epidemiological and serological data.
尽管一种有效的麻疹疫苗已经问世数年，但该疾病在非洲仍然流行。这种疾病的特点是在较年轻的年龄组中发病，且发病率和死亡率很高。非洲儿童出生时通过胎盘获得的麻疹抗体水平很高。然而，抗体迅速下降，以至于在6个月龄后几乎消失。由于储存和运输设施不佳以及热带气候对疫苗的不利影响，非洲儿童接种的麻疹疫苗效力降低。非洲的麻疹免疫模式与发达国家不同。与世界其他任何地区一样，非洲的麻疹免疫计划必须基于可靠的流行病学和血清学数据。
