Seroprevalence of anti-polio antibodies in a population 7 months to 39 years of age in Uruguay: Implications for future polio vaccination strategies

This study evaluated the seroprevalence of poliovirus types 1, 2 and 3 antibodies and vaccination coverage in 780 subjects aged between 7 months and 39 years in Montevideo, Uruguay, where oral polio vaccine (OPV) is used. Antibody titers were measured and seroprotection rates and geometric mean titers (GMTs) were compared among four age groups. Vaccination histories were recorded from documents and interviews. Seroprotection rates ranged from 72% to 95% in children aged 7–23 months, 31–77% in 2–9-year olds, 14–45% in 10–19-year olds and 20–59.5% in 20–39-year olds. Seroprotection decreased significantly with increasing age (p < 0.05). Polio vaccination coverage was >90% for the two youngest age groups. These results could help guide public policy decisions regarding polio vaccination, and support the use of inactivated polio vaccine following cessation of OPV.