Seroimmunity to poliomyelitis in an Albanian immigrant population

Vaccine. 1992;10(12):853-6. doi: 10.1016/0264-410x(92)90049-p.

Abstract

The immunity against poliomyelitis in a representative sample of the Albanian population recently immigrant to Italy was evaluated. A significant number of the subjects examined lacked protective antibodies against one or more polioviruses. The most prevalent seronegativity related to poliovirus type 3 (41.3%), followed by poliovirus type 1 (21.5%). This result was more consistent in the younger age groups. Our data suggest the hypothesis that this problem arises from the use of a vaccine of discontinuous efficacy caused by defective preservation. A poliovaccine booster dose for all emigree subjects aged less than 15 years is suggested.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Albania / ethnology
  • Antibodies, Viral / blood*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Emigration and Immigration*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Italy
  • Male
  • Neutralization Tests
  • Poliomyelitis / immunology*
  • Poliovirus / immunology*
  • Poliovirus Vaccine, Inactivated / immunology

Substances

  • Antibodies, Viral
  • Poliovirus Vaccine, Inactivated