Prevalence of measles antibodies in asymptomatic human immunodeficiency virus-infected adults

J Infect Dis. 1991 Nov;164(5):973-5. doi: 10.1093/infdis/164.5.973.

Abstract

One hundred five asymptomatic human immunodeficiency virus-seropositive adults were screened for measles antibody. Ages ranged from 21 to 59 years (mean, 35.7). CD4+ lymphocyte counts (range, 76-1137/mm3), percentage of CD4+ cells (6-42), CD4:CD8 ratio (0.08-1.3), measles antibody titers by EIA, and undocumented history of prior measles or immunization were obtained. Forty-six patients gave a history of measles but no immunization, 18 of immunization but no measles, 26 of immunization and measles, and 15 of neither measles nor vaccination. Only one patient (less than 1%) lacked levels of antibody considered protective. Neither the presence nor the level of antibody were predictable from patient age, history of measles or immunization, CD4+ lymphocyte count, percentage of CD4+ cells, or CD4:CD8 ratio. Nearly all subjects had antibody to measles, regardless of immunization or measles history. Whether these antibodies are truly protective is unknown.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antibodies, Viral / blood*
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes
  • Chicago / epidemiology
  • Disease Susceptibility
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / complications*
  • Humans
  • Leukocyte Count
  • Male
  • Measles / complications
  • Measles / epidemiology*
  • Measles / immunology
  • Measles Vaccine / immunology
  • Measles virus / immunology*
  • Middle Aged
  • Prevalence
  • Surveys and Questionnaires

Substances

  • Antibodies, Viral
  • Measles Vaccine