Seroprevalence of Measles Immunoglobulin G (IgG) Antibodies in Children Aged 9-59 Months at the University Hospital Centre for Mothers and Children (CHU-ME) of N'Djamena

Introduction: Measles is a highly contagious viral disease caused by a Morbillivirus.It is transmitted by air (respiratory droplets).It is one of the main causes of infant mortality in regions where vaccination is inadequate.Prevention relies mainly on vaccination, which is effective in reducing the spread and impact of the disease.The aim of this study was to assess the level of measles immunity in children aged 9 to 59 months at the CHU-ME in N'Djamena.Material and Methods: This was a prospective, analytical study conducted over a four-month period from June to September 2024.To measure the seroprevalence of IgG measles antibodies in children, the ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) technique was used.This method is renowned for its high sensitivity and specificity, enabling precise detection of antibody levels in the blood.Of the 162 samples analyzed, 67 were female and 95 male.The majority came for malaria, influenza and diarrhoea.Results: The prevalence of children immunized against measles was 73.46% (IgG positive).Differences by age group revealed that children aged 48-59 months had a higher seroprevalence than children in other age groups.Children who received two doses of vaccine developed a higher immunity rate of 65.54%, while those who received one dose of vaccine developed 34.45% immunity, with a significant difference between vaccine doses.Conclusion: Epidemiological factors, such as malnutrition and origin, also influence seroprevalence, with higher prevalence in urban areas.Weight also has an impact, with greater immunity in children weighing between 5 and 13.7 kg.These results offer clues for strengthening vaccination and measles epidemic prevention strategies.