[Characteristics of the epidemic process of measles, rubella and mumps in Moscow and assessment of their seroprevalence at the present stage].

Abstract

Introduction: The problem of vaccine-preventable infections requires assessing the state of herd immunity through serological monitoring.

The aim: To study the epidemiological features of measles, rubella and mumps and to estimate their seroprevalence in the last decade in Moscow.

Materials and methods: Forms of federal statistical observation; State reports «On the state of sanitary and epidemiological well-being of the Moscow population»; official EMISS data for 2012-2023 were used to conduct a retrospective analysis of incidence. Blood serum samples (n = 7458) from healthy individuals stratified by age were tested for the presence of IgG antobodies to measles, rubella and mumps using the ELISA. Statistical data processing was performed using Microsoft Excel and SPSS Statistics v.27 (IBM).

Results: The analysis of epidemiological situation in Moscow in 2012-2023 revealed the presence of multidirectional trends: wave-like increase in the incidence of measles, stabilization of rubella cases registration and unstable incidence of mumps with an upward trend. A high prevalence of IgG antibodies to rubella virus was determined, preventing the spread of infection among the population. The formed level of herd immunity to mumps does not allow reducing the incidence to sporadic cases. The observed trend of increasing measles incidence can be explained by the accumulation of non-immune individuals among the population.

Conclusion: The significant proportion of seronegative individuals indicate the necessity to adjust vaccination prevention tactics and implement measures for mopping-up and catch-up immunization of the population against measles and mumps, especially in risk age groups.