Open AccessDetermination of immune status to measles, rubella, and varicella-zoster viruses among medical students: assessment of historical information.
Author(s) -
Dennis L. Murray,
Monica Lynch
Publication year - 1988
Publication title -
american journal of public health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.284
H-Index - 264
eISSN - 1541-0048
pISSN - 0090-0036
DOI - 10.2105/ajph.78.7.836
Subject(s) - measles , rubella , serology , medicine , vaccination , chickenpox , disease , varicella zoster virus , immune status , virology , pediatrics , immunology , virus , immune system , antibody , pathology
We examined the serological susceptibility of entering medical students to measles, rubella, and varicella-zoster (VZV) viruses over a four-year period. Serological results were then compared to historical information to ascertain whether undocumented histories of disease or vaccination could be used to identify students who may not need serological testing. For measles, historical information was of no benefit in predicting immunity. For VZV and, to a greater extent, rubella, a higher seropositive rate was seen in students claiming a positive history.