Measles Seroprevalence and Associated Factors in Children in Southern Iran

Abstract

Background: Recent measles outbreaks in Iran underscore the need to monitor vaccination coverage and measles-specific antibody levels. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate anti-measles IgG seroprevalence and its association with demographic factors in children aged 2 - 6 years in Hormozgan province, southern Iran. Methods: In this cross-sectional study (2022 - 2023), 133 children visiting Bandar Abbas medical centers were enrolled. Serum IgG levels were measured via ELISA. Statistical analysis assessed associations between IgG positivity and variables such as age, gender, residence, and nutrition. Results: Overall, 94.7% of children tested positive for measles IgG. No significant associations were found between IgG positivity and gender (P = 0.072), age (P = 0.653), residence (P = 0.109), nutrition (P = 0.328), or household size (P = 0.390). Conclusions: A high measles IgG seroprevalence (94.7%) was observed, independent of demographic factors. However, regional variations in immunity across Iran warrant further investigation.