In short
The SEROPREV project aims to examine which proportion of people living in Belgium are immune to or affected by certain diseases. This information is crucial for public health decision-makers – particularly when designing or refining vaccination, prevention or treatment programs. To gather these insights, we analyze blood samples from a representative portion of the population to detect biomarkers such as antibodies against selected diseases. Thirty-two laboratories across Belgium collect these blood samples from leftover specimens.
Project description
Objective
The primary objective of the SEROPREV project is to establish a national serum bank consisting of approximately 5,000 samples. This resource will be used over a five-year period to estimate the age-specific prevalence of biomarkers for infectious diseases in Belgium, based on priorities set by a scientific steering committee.
Initial Focus: Measles seroprevalence
As the first priority, the study will focus on estimating the age-specific seroprevalence of IgG (Immunoglobulin G) antibodies against measles. The aim is to generate robust data that will inform public health interventions and guide potential catch-up vaccination programs.
More specifically, the study will:
- estimate measles seroprevalence across different age groups and geographical areas in Belgium.
- identify potential gaps in immunity and risk factors for susceptibility, such as age and region.
- assess the relationship between immunity estimates and vaccination coverage.
- compare findings with previous seroprevalence studies to analyze trends over time.
These insights will:
- help identify specific populations at risk of measles outbreaks, providing essential information for targeted public health measures, including tailored vaccination campaigns
- enhance overall vaccination coverage and support efforts to prevent future measles outbreaks.
- contribute to estimating the population’s overall susceptibility to measles and to monitoring progress toward national and international measles elimination targets.
Future Directions
In subsequent years, researchers will analyze additional pathogens as the public health context evolves.. The scientific steering committee will prioritize these pathogens according to their relevance.
The resulting data will, depending on the selected pathogens/biomarkers, support:
- identification of at-risk populations.
- targeted public health responses.
- improved estimations of disease burden.
To conclude, this national serum bank is a critical tool for strengthening infectious disease surveillance and guiding effective public health policies in Belgium.
