Comparison of Edmonston-Zagreb and Schwarz strains of measles vaccine given by aerosol or subcutaneous injection.

The serological response to measles vaccine was tested in Bangladesh in groups of infants aged 4-6 months who received equal doses of Edmonston-Zagreb or Schwarz vaccine by subcutaneous injection or by aerosol. Seroconversion (as measured by the haemagglutination test) occurred in 62% of infants receiving Edmonston-Zagreb strain by injection compared with only 37% of those receiving Schwarz strain. Seroconversion occurred in 35% of those given Edmonston-Zagreb and 34% of those given Schwarz vaccine by aerosol. Edmonston-Zagreb strain appears more effective than Schwarz vaccine in this population and further studies are indicated in other populations where early measles immunisation is desirable.