CONDITION OF ANTI-MEASLES IMMUNITY IN PATIENTS ON WAITING-LIST FOR LUNG TRANSPLANTATION

Abstract

Aim. Determination of intensity of immunity against measles in patients on waiting-list for lung transplantation. Materials and methods. IgG levels against measles virus were studied in blood sera of 80 adult patients (mean age 35.8± 11.4 years) on waiting-list of lung transplantation, without history of this disease. Determination of IgG levels against measles virus was carried out by ELISA using a standard kit from «Vektor-Best» (VectoMeasles-IgG). Results. Protective level of IgG against measles virus (above 0.18 I U/ml) was registered in 83.3% of examined patients. Mean level of anti-measles antibodies was within protective values - 1.53 IU/ml (95% confidence interval 1.17 - 1.89). Medium level of anti-measles antibodies (1 - 5 IU/ml) was registered in most of the analyzed samples (55.2%). A positive correlation between values of antibodies and age of patients (r=0.43) was detected. Dependence between levels of antibodies and previously executed hormonal and cytostatic therapy was not detected. Conclusion. Patients on waiting-list of solid organ transplantation are a group of risk for development of severe course of measles infection, that dictates the necessity of execution of vaccination at short terms before or after registration on the waiting-list.

Keywords

• vaccine-controlled infections
• measles
• lung transplantation
• anti-measles antibodies
• immune-competent patients