Measles Immunoglobulin is Harvestable from Plasma-based Products in Owo, Southwest Nigeria

Abstract

Measles is a contagious disease that is vaccine preventable. Unvaccinated individuals are at risk of being infected, with attendant sequels. Infected neonates and immunocompromised individuals do benefit from administration of anti-measles immunoglobulins. This work was done to determine the presence and proportion of IgG immunoglobulins against measles in Owo, southwest Nigeria. Ninety consenting blood donors were assessed with their sera analyzed using stringent ELISA technique that was specific for detection of anti-measles IgG antibody. Majority of the donors (88.89%) were found to have detectable levels of anti-measles antibodies, which
was not influenced by age and gender (p>0.05). It could be concluded that blood donors in Owo will serve as a good source of anti-measles immunoglobulin G, which can help in providing prophylaxis and treatment for at risk and infected individuals.