Abstract
A resurgence of the mumps epidemic in highly vaccinated populations has occurred in recent years in many countries. This study aimed to evaluate the seroprevalence to mumps in urban areas of Shanghai, where a measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccination had been implemented for 20 years. Mumps IgG antibodies were tested in 2662 residual sera from all ages in an urban area of Shanghai. A linear regression method was performed to assess the persistence of mumps antibodies after MMR vaccination. A logistic regression method was used to analyze the variables associated with seronegative sera. The overall age- and gender-adjusted seroprevalence of mumps antibodies reached 90% (95% CI: 90.0⁻90.2). The antibody concentration declined significantly in the first eight years after the second dose of MMR. The multivariate analysis identified that males, age groups, especially 17⁻19 years and no dose of vaccination, as well as one dose of vaccination, as factors associated with an increased risk of seronegative sera. A high seroprevalence to mumps has been achieved in the urban areas of Shanghai. A declining antibody level of mumps after the second dose of MMR may put a potential risk of recurrence of mumps. The two-dose MMR vaccine schedule is superior to one-dose schedule for mumps control.