Get to know the measles virus better!
Date: 2 سال قبل
author: AmirAbad
Measles Virus
Clinical Manifestations
Measles sets in abruptly with coryza, conjunctivitis,
fever, and rash. The typical maculopapular rash appears 1 to 3 days later.
Complications include otitis, pneumonia, and encephalitis. Subacute sclerosing
panencephalitis is a rare late sequela.
Classification and Antigenic Type
There is only a single antigenic type.
Pathogenesis
The virus causes viremia with wide dissemination and
multiplies in cells of the lymphatic, respiratory, intestinal and urinary
system, the skin, and sometimes the brain.
Host Defenses
Interferon and other initial defenses are followed by
specific cellular and humoral immune responses, which confer long-lasting
immunity.
Epidemiology
Prior to the vaccine era measles occurred worldwide in
an endemic or epidemic pattern and disease was inevitable. In temperate
climates, the incidence peaks in the late winter and early summer.
Diagnosis
In typical cases, the clinical picture is diagnostic.
Atypical cases or cases following previous vaccination are diagnosed by
isolating the virus in cell culture by direct smear of cell-containing
specimen, by detection of RNA with the polymerase chain reaction (Rt-PCR) or
detecting specific IgM in the first serum at the time of rash with a rising
titer of IgG antibodies in the second serum.
Control
Active vaccination with a live attenuated virus vaccine
gives long-lasting protection. Passive prophylaxis with measles immunoglobulin
is used to prevent disease in susceptible, exposed individuals.
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