Work

Measles seroprevalence among health care professionals during a period of increased transmission: A pilot study in Southern Italy

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: • High measles seroprevalence (96%) observed among healthcare professionals. • Younger female HCPs showed the greatest immunity gaps. • Smoking status was independently associated with reduced immunity. • No significant differences across gender, BMI, or occupation. • Findings highlight the need for targeted vaccination strategies. Measles continues to be a significant public health concern worldwide, with suboptimal vaccination coverage (VC) contributing to periodic outbreaks, even in Europe. Despite the availability of an effective vaccine, regional disparities and declining VC, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, have increased the risk of measles transmission in Italy. This study aimed to assess measles seroprevalence among Healthcare Professionals (HCPs) and explore associated socio-demographic factors in a country with a high level of measles circulation. Data were collected from 148 HCPs across two hospitals in Southern Italy. Serologic analyses were performed on 121 of the 148 enrolled HCPs, revealing an overall seroprevalence of 96%, however there was a substantial proportion of non-immune young female HCPs. Furthermore, smoking was significantly associated with reduced immunoglobulin levels (adjusted OR = 13.3; 95% CI= 1.07-166.2; p<0.04). These findings underscore the importance of routine serological monitoring among HCPs to inform booster vaccination strategies to fill immunity gaps in high-risk groups and settings.

Source: IJID Regions

DOI: 10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100833