Sero-epidemiology of measles in general population in Jiangsu province of China: Application of mixture models to interpret the results from a cross-sectional study

A cross-sectional survey of measles seroprevalence in general population was conducted in Jiangsu province of China. Data were analyzed by employing commercial ELISA cut-offs and mixture models. The results suggest that the overall measles seroprevalence rate in Jiangsu province (88.7%, 95% confidence interval 87.7–89.6%) was lower than the level believed to be necessary for the elimination of measles. Mixture model could provide a more comprehensive understanding of these results by investigating the different levels of antibody response to vaccination or natural infection in the population, and suggest that the vaccine-induced antibody levels may wane with time. Additional actions should be conducted in the young adult cohorts aged 15–19 years in center region. SIAs for susceptible birth cohorts over the whole province are urgent.