Development and Evaluation of the Moraten Measles Virus Vaccine

Clinical reaction rates and antibody responses were compared in children given three vaccines: Enders' live, attenuated Edmonston B measles vaccine; a newly described line of Enders' vaccine—live, attenuated Moraten measles virus vaccine; or the live, attenuated Schwarz line of Enders' measles virus vaccine. Groups of 248 to 273 susceptible children in health centers, schools, and outpatient clinics were elected at random to receive the three vaccines. Oral temperature of 101 F (38.3 C) or greater was encountered in 45.9% of those given the Edmonston vaccine, 14.4% of recipients of the Moraten line, and 21.4% of recipients of Schwarz vaccine. The lesser reaction of the Moraten line compared with Schwarz vaccine was statistically significant as was the difference between Moraten and Edmonston vaccine. All children responded serologically to all vaccines. The geometric mean hemagglutination-inhibiting antibody titer following Edmonston vaccine administration was 1:25 compared with 1:16.3 and 1:16.1 for the Moraten and Schwarz vaccines.