Susceptibility to Vaccine-Preventable Diseases in Four Districts of Xaysomboun Province, Lao People’s Democratic Republic

Siriphone Virachith, Mapor Lao, Magnoula Inthepphavong, Saythong Inthalath, Judith M. Hübschen, Sengchanh Kounnavong, Somphou Sayasone, Antony P. Black*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleResearchpeer-review

3 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Xaysomboun province has some of the lowest health indicators in Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR). This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the vaccination, susceptibility and exposure status of the population to hepatitis B virus (HBV), measles, rubella, and tetanus. Participants aged 5 years and older were randomly selected from four districts. From each enrolled participant, demographic data and 5 mL of blood sample were taken. HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) and antibodies against HBV, measles, rubella, and tetanus were detected by ELISA. A total of 363 participants (age 5 to 80 years) were included. HBV exposure, as determined by anti-HBV core (anti-HBc) antibodies, was 56.2% overall, and was significantly higher among those aged ≥ 21 years (78.1%). HBsAg was detected in 9.4% overall and increased to 20% in ages 31–40 years. Only 13.8% of participants had serology indicative of vaccination (anti-HBs positive, anti-HBc negative). Sero-protection against measles was 74.6% overall but only 41.7% in children aged 5–10 years. Anti-ru-bella IgG was 94.2% overall and high in all age groups. Tetanus seroprevalence was only 47.4% overall but significantly higher in females aged 31–40 (75.6%). We suggest strengthening of routine and booster HBV, measles, and tetanus vaccine coverage in Xaysomboun province.

Original languageEnglish
Article number463
JournalVaccines
Volume10
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 17 Mar 2022

Keywords

  • antibodies
  • diphtheria
  • hepatitis B
  • Laos
  • measles
  • rubella
  • tetanus
  • vaccines

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