The likelihood of an epidemic of measles in 1990-92 in Israel prompted us to study the immune status against measles in a random sample of 454 recruits aged 18-19 years in order to obtain data that might be used in determining vaccination policy. This cohort had received one dose of measles vaccine at 12 months of age. The measles immunity status was studied by determination of antibody values that were measured by means of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent (ELISA) IgG antibody test. Of the recruits, 84.6% were found to have positive sera for anti-measles IgG antibodies, while 13.7% had negative sera. Eight (1.7%) subjects had borderline results. The results of this study indicate the need to administer a second dose of measles vaccine at an older age in addition to the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine that is now given in Israel at 12 months of age. This step will help achieve the World Health Organization's target of complete eradication of measles.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

First recorded outbreaks of meningococcal disease in the Israel Defence Force: three clusters due to serogroup C and the emergence of resistance to rifampicin.

Outbreaks of meningococcal disease were observed for the first time in the Israel Defence Force (I.D.F.) in 1992 and 1993, while in previous years, cases appeared in sporadic fashion. Two episodes in the winter of 1992 involving three and two individuals, respectively, were caused by Neisseria meningitidis group C, which was nontypable and nonsubtypable (C:NT:-). Three cases in one event in early 1993 were due to group C:NT:P1.2, the two secondary cases being caused by strains completely resistant to rifampicin. While these outbreaks were small, they should be seen against a background of the emergence of relatively virulent clones of serogroup C which have caused significant outbreaks in several countries. This and the drug resistance problem will require medical decision-makers to review strategies for the prevention of meningococcal disease, taking into account alternative agents for chemoprophylaxis as well as a possible role for vaccination.

Bacteremia↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Familial polyposis associated with a new type of soft-tissue lesion (skin pigmentation): report of three cases and a review of the literature.

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Adolescent↗