Mumps, measles and rubella vaccination in children with PFAPA syndrome

There is no published data regarding immunologic response to vaccinations in children with PFAPA syndrome (periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis and cervical adenitis). The aim of this study was to evaluate mumps, measles and rubella immunity in children with PFAPA. 31 children with PFAPA syndrome and 22 healthy children (control group - CG) were recruited to the study. All children were previously vaccinated with one dose of MMR vaccine according to the Polish obligatory vaccination schedule. The patients from both groups were evaluated for anti-measles, anti-mumps and anti-rubella IgG antibodies concentrations (ELISA tests; the reference values for protective antibody levels were 150 IU/L, 16 RU/L and 11 IU/ml respectively). The percentage of patients with protective antibodies levels was as follows: measles - 93.55% of PFAPA and 95.45% of CG patients (p = 0.77); mumps - 74.19% of PFAPA and 95.45% of CG patients (p = 0.02); rubella - 80.65% of PFAPA and 90.9% of CG patients (p = 0.30). Conclusions: Children with PFAPA syndrome present a good response to the measles and rubella component of the MMR vaccine, however immunity against mumps after one dose of MMR may not be sufficient. Further investigation concerning immunity against vaccine-preventable diseases and the safety of vaccinations in children with periodic fever syndromes is required.