Sex and age as determinants of the seroprevalence of anti-measles IgG among European healthcare workers: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Issue 23 (20th May 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bianchi, Francesco Paolo; Stefanizzi, Pasquale; Trerotoli, Paolo; Tafuri, Silvio
• Is Part Of: Vaccine. Volume 40:Issue 23(2022)
• Page Start: 3127
• Page End: 3141
• Publication Date: 2022-05-20
• Subjects: Measles -- Nosocomial infection -- Healthcare workers; HCW healthcare worker -- MMR measles, mumps, rubella -- CDC Center for Diseases Control and Prevention -- ECDC European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control -- RR risk ratio; Vaccines -- Periodicals; 615.372
• DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2022.04.016
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0264-410X

Abstract

Abstract: Introduction: The international literature shows good evidence of a significant rate of measles susceptibility among healthcare workers (HCWs). As such, they are an important public health issue. Methods: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to estimate the prevalence of susceptible HCWs in EU/EEA countries and in the UK and to explore the characteristics (sex and age differences) and management of those found to be susceptible. Results: Nineteen studies were included in the meta-analysis. The prevalence of measles-susceptible HCWs was 13.3% (95 %CI: 10.0–17.0%). In a comparison of serosusceptible female vs. male HCWs, the RR was 0.92 (95 %CI = 0.83–1.03), and in a comparison of age classes (born after vs. before 1980) the RR was 2.78 (95 %CI = 2.20–3.50). The most recent studies proposed the mandatory vaccination of HCWs. Discussion: According to our meta-analysis, the prevalence of serosusceptible European HCWs is 13%; HCWs born in the post-vaccination era seem to be at higher risk. Healthcare professionals susceptible to measles are a serious epidemiological concern. Greater efforts should therefore be made to identify those who have yet to be vaccinated and actively encourage their vaccination.