Measles seroprevalence among health care professionals during a period of increased transmission: A pilot study in Southern Italy

Objectives Measles continues to be a significant public health concern worldwide, with suboptimal vaccination coverage contributing to periodic outbreaks, even in Europe. Despite the availability of an effective vaccine, regional disparities and declining vaccination coverage, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, have increased the risk of measles transmission in Italy. Methods This study aimed to assess measles seroprevalence among health care professionals (HCPs) and explore associated socio-demographic factors in a country with a high level of measles circulation. Results Data were collected from 148 HCPs across two hospitals in Southern Italy. Serologic analyses were performed on 121 of the 148 enrolled HCPs, revealing an overall seroprevalence of 96%; however, there was a substantial proportion of non-immune young female HCPs. Furthermore, smoking was significantly associated with reduced immunoglobulin levels (adjusted odds ratio = 13.3; 95% confidence interval = 1.07-166.2; P <0.04). Conclusions These findings underscore the importance of routine serological monitoring among HCPs to inform booster vaccination strategies to fill immunity gaps in high-risk groups and settings.