Serological survey on immunity status against polioviruses in children and adolescents living in a border region, Apulia (Southern Italy)
2008

Immunity Status Against Polioviruses in Children and Adolescents in Apulia, Italy

Sample size: 704 publication Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Tafuri Silvio, Prato Rosa, Martinelli Domenico, Calvario Agata, Bozzi Anna, Labianca Michele, Patti Annamaria, Lopalco Pietro Luigi, Germinario Cinzia

Primary Institution: Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Bari

Hypothesis

What is the level of antipoliomyelitis immunity in children and adolescents in the Apulia region?

Conclusion

The study found a high level of immunity against polioviruses in children and adolescents in Apulia, confirming effective vaccination coverage.

Supporting Evidence

  • 100% seropositivity for poliovirus type 1.
  • 99.8% seropositivity for poliovirus type 2.
  • 99.4% seropositivity for poliovirus type 3.
  • No significant difference in antibody titres between different vaccination schedules.

Takeaway

The kids in Apulia are mostly protected against polio because they got their vaccines, which is really good news!

Methodology

Blood samples were collected from children and adolescents aged 3 months to 15 years, and immunity was evaluated by neutralizing antibody titration.

Potential Biases

There is a risk that the sample may not accurately reflect the immunity status of the general population.

Limitations

The study may not represent the entire population as subjects were from laboratories and might be more likely to be vaccinated.

Participant Demographics

52.4% male and 47.6% female, aged 3 months to 15 years.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.001

Confidence Interval

95% CI: 10.5–133.1

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2334-8-150

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