Specific protection status against diphtheria and measles in adults living in Latvia

Evaluate the specific immune status against epidemic infections (measles, diphteria) and clarify its connection with immunogenetic characteristics, age and gender, to find out the need for vaccination against those diseases. The study group consisted of 200 people, of whom 172 were women (86%). The average age in the group was 50±14 years (min. – 18 years, max. – 89 years). Study participants were tested for IgG antibodies to Diphtheria and Measles (ELISA), Interferon gamma inducer - IRF5 level (ELISA) and HLA-B27 (PCR). Anti-Diphteria IgG level <0,01IU/ml was found in 4% of the group, level 0,01-0,1IU/ml–33% and >0,1IU/ml was found in 63% of the group. Anti-Rubeola IgG level <13,5AU/ml was discovered in 22%, level 13,5-16,5AU/ml–1% and >16,5AU/ml–77% of participants. Older people had higher levels of IgG against measles (r=0,54, p<0,001) and lover IgG level against diphtheria (r=-0,36, p<0,001) compared to younger people. Men had higher IgG levels against diphtheria (median 0.15IU/ml) than women (median 0.14IU/ml),r=0.16,p<0.05. Positive HLA-B27 was detected in 25 people (12.5%). Positive HLA-B27 showed no association with antibody levels against diphtheria, χ2(2)=2.09,p=0.35, and against measles χ2(2)=0.36,p=0.83. Antibody levels against diphtheria were independent of IRF5 levels, Kruskal-Wallis H(2)=3.14,p=0.21. Similarly, IFR5 levels showed no association with anti-Rubella IgG,H(2)=1.80, p=0.41. Only 63% of study participants have a good resistance against diphtheria, 33% of participants require revaccination, but 4% of study participants have an insufficient vaccination status and basic immunization is recommended. The results show that 37% of study participants should revaccinate against diphtheria.Measles vaccination has a protective effect in 77% of study participants. 22% of study participants have a protective vaccination status and 1% of participants have a vaccination effect at the cut-off value.The characteristics of specific infectious protection for both infections are age-related.Antibody levels against diphtheria and measles are independent of immunogenetic characteristics such as HLA-B27 and IFR5.