Serologic Evidence of Measles IgM Antibodies among Children in Two IDP Camps in Kaduna State, Nigeria

Abstract

Major risk factors for the spread of measles in displaced populations are: poor vaccination coverage, mass migration causing international spread of diseases and high density of refugee population in the camps. The aim of this study was to determine the serologic evidence of measles IgM antibodies among children in two IDP camps (Ungwan zawu and Hayin Nariya) situated in Kaduna South and Kaduna North. Sample population consisted of 192 consenting children in the two IDP camps. About four (4) milliliters of blood was collected, dispensed into plain containers, allowed to clot and spun at 3,000rpm for 10 minutes. The serum was separated into cryo tubes and stored at -200C. The frozen sera were thawed at room temperature for 45 minutes and screened for measles IgM antibodies using ELISA technique (EuroImmun Medizinische Labordiagnostika AG, Germany) according to manufacturer’s instructions. Measles specific IgM antibodies was detected in 66 (34.4%) of the total 192 children in the two IDP camps studied. Males recorded higher percentage prevalence of 63.6% compared to females (36.4%). Measles IgM antibodies varied among the age grades, from 63.6% in children aged >5years to 3.0% in children aged <1year. IDP Camp participants in Hayin Nariya camp recorded the highest measles IgM seropositivity of 75.8% than those residing in Ungwan Zawu (24.2%). About 144 cases (75.0%) had previous history of vaccination while 48 cases (25.0%) had not been previously vaccinated. Of all, 48 (25.0%) had previous attack of measles infection while 144 (75.0%) had no previous history measles attack. From the questionnaires administered, all the participants were exposed to crowd, all the mothers were illiterates and farming was their major occupation. Inadequate vaccination, malnutrition and lack of awareness are thought to be the reason for the high IgM antibodies. Measles awareness, and high vaccination coverage in IDP camps is advocated.