Serological Status of Medical Students of John Paul II University in Biała Podlaska and Nurses Working in Healthcare Facilities in Relation to the Risk of Bordetella Pertussis and Measles Virus Infections

Abstract

Background. Considering the nature of their work and the number of hours of practical training in medical fields carried out in healthcare facilities, it is logical that nurses and medical students are particularly exposed to contact with people with infectious diseases. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the level of IgG anti-B. pertussis and antimeasles virus antibodies among medical students and practicing nurses. Material and methods. Approximately 4 ml of venous blood was collected using closed blood collection systems from Becton Dickinson. IgG antibodies against the measles virus and B. pertussis toxin were measured in serum using an ELISA immunoassay (EUROIMMUN, Germany). The test kit contained microtiter plates coated with measles virus antigens or B. pertussis-specific toxin antigens. Results. Positive results for antibodies against the measles virus and B. pertussis toxin were most common in the 18-30 age group. In other age groups, positive results were found in isolated cases. Conclusions. As demonstrated in this study, IgG antibody levels against PT and IgG antibody levels against the measles virus decrease with age; therefore, it is necessary to continuously monitor incidence rates and control antibody levels.