Pre-immunization antibody titers against measles, mumps and rubella virus in infants and young toddlers: Possible consequences in favour of earlier vaccination

Aim of the study. Determination of maternal antibodies in unvaccinated children against measles, mumps and rubella virus. Methods. We determined serum antibodies against measles, mumps and rubella-virus with an indirect ELISA in unvaccinated children age 4 weeks to 16 months treated at our institution for other reasons. Results. We could analyse the results of 143 children. Of children younger than 9 months 48 % (40/83) had detectable antibodies against measles, 14 % (12/83) against mumps and 42% (35/83) against rubella virus. 42 children were older than 9, but younger than 15 months. Only two had antibody against measles and rubella virus, respectively. One patient had a high value against mumps virus probably due to an asymptomatic natural infection. Conclusions. These results together with the frequent observation of measles infections in children before the age of 15 months in our institution would support the recommadation to immunize against MMR already in the 10th month. This would also be possible with respect to a reimmunization in the 6th year of age, as reccomended in Germany since 1991.