A new study published in Vaccine suggests that undernutrition may be contributing to the global increase in measles cases. Researchers found that fully vaccinated children who were undernourished had significantly lower levels of measles antibodies. This could indicate that addressing child hunger is a critical step in preventing measles outbreaks.
A new study led by researchers from McGill University has shed light on a potential contributing factor to the global surge in measles cases: undernutrition. The study, which involved over 600 fully vaccinated children in South Africa, found that children who were undernourished had significantly lower levels of antibodies against measles compared to their well-nourished peers.
Researchers tracked the children's growth over time, using stunting as an indicator of undernutrition, and measured their antibody levels through blood tests. Children who were stunted around the age of three had an average of 24 percent lower measles antibody levels by age five. These findings, published in the journal Vaccine, suggest that undernutrition may affect the duration of vaccine protection. Senior author Jonathan Chevrier, an Associate Professor in McGill's Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health and Canada Research Chair in Global Environmental Health and Epidemiology, emphasizes that addressing child hunger could be a crucial strategy in preventing viral outbreaks. Globally, measles cases have been on the rise since 2018, driven by factors such as under-vaccination and the impact of the pandemic. Despite being preventable with vaccination and adequate immunity, measles is making a strong comeback in many parts of the world. Co-author Brian Ward, a Professor in McGill's Department of Medicine, stresses the importance of vaccinating children against preventable diseases and ensuring they are adequately protected, especially in light of climate change, which is expected to contribute to the spread of known diseases. Approximately 22 percent of children under five worldwide, or about 148 million, were stunted in 2022, with the highest rates in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. The research team plans to continue monitoring the children in the study as they grow older to better understand the long-term effects of early-life undernutrition
Undernutrition Measles Vaccines Immunity Global Health
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