MEASLES

MEASLES (RUBEOLA)
(RUBEOLA)
VIRUS
VIRUS

Genus Morbillivirus
 Paramyxovirinae
PARAMYXOVIRIDAE
Genus respirovirus:
Genus Rubulavirus
Genus morbillivirus
Pneumovirinae
Genus Pneumovirus
RSV
Genus Meta-
pneumovirus
 MEASLES (RUBEOLA)
VIRUS
• Rubeola virus is the cause of
measles infection

• Measles is an acute, highly

infectious disease characterized
by:
• a maculopapular rash,
• fever
and
• respiratory symptoms.
 MEASLES (RUBEOLA) VIRUS

Structure:
• Its structure is similar to that of paramyxo-
viruses, with one exception that the
haemagglutinin neuraminidase spikes present on
the viral envelope has:
• Haemagglutinin activity
• Lack neuraminidase activity.

• One serotype only exist.

 Pathogenesis and Pathology:
• Transmission occurs through droplet
infection.

• Virus multiplies locally in the respiratory

epithelial cells,

• The infection then spreads to the regional

lymphoid tissue, where further
multiplication occurs.
Pathogenesis and Pathology:
• Primary viraemia disseminates the virus, in the
reticuloendothelial system.

• A secondary viraemia seeds the epithelial surfaces

of the body including:
• the skin,
• respiratory tract
• conjunctiva.

NOTE: The virus replicates in certain lymphocytes

The hallmark of measles
“measles rash”
Reaction between

INFECTED ENDOTHELIAL CELLS IMMUNE T CELLS

Lining small blood vessels

RASH
 Complications
1- Postinfectious encephalitis is believed to
be immune mediated, occurs after rash.

2- Immunocompromised patients with

measles may have continuing infection,
resulting in death.
 Complications
3. Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE):

- occurs in 7 in 106 patients years after a

measles infection,

- SSPE results from ongoing replication of

defective measles virus in the central nervous
system.

• Infection spreads directly from cell to cell

without mature virus release.
 Laboratory Diagnosis:

A. Direct detection of virus antigen

in clinical specimens could be
achieved by immuno fluorescent
technique.
 B. Isolation:
Specimens for viral isolation include nasopharyngeal swab and blood samples.

Cell Line: Monkey or human kidney are appropriate cells for virus isolation.

Out come:
- Cytopathic effect in the form of multinucleated giant cells is detected.

- Haemadsorption or

- Immunofluorescence assays are used to confirm measles antigen in the

inoculated cultures.
 C. Serology:
• HAI is the most practical method.

• CFT

&

• NT tests all may be used to measure

measles antibodies
 Treatment:

• Treatment is symptomatic.

• No available antiviral drugs.

 Prevention and Control:
• A live attenuated viral vaccine is available.

TIME OF ADMINISTRATION:

• The vaccine is administered subcutaneously either in a

monovalent form (measles virus vaccine) at the age of
nine months, and it is a part of the compulsory
vaccination schedule in Egypt.

• Or it may be administered at age of 15 months in

combination with mumps and rubella vaccine
(MMR vaccine).
• The vaccine is safe and gives life long immunity.

• Few side effects may be present.

 Live attenuated viral
vaccines

Are contra indicated in:

pregnant
&
immune compromised host