Measles Virus IgG Antibodies

Infection source - humans.

Transmission route. It spreads through aerosol and airborne routes, as well as via hands or other environmental objects contaminated with respiratory secretions. Measles is one of the most easily spread, highly contagious diseases. Contact between people lasting longer than 15 minutes is sufficient for susceptible individuals to become infected.

Clinical symptoms and signs. Initially, measles (in the prodromal period) usually manifests with fever, later with conjunctivitis, runny nose, cough, and Koplik's spots. A characteristic maculopapular rash appears, which does not itch. The rash usually occurs 3-7 days after the onset of the disease, starting in the facial area and then spreading to other parts of the body; the rash lasts for 4-7 days.

Complications are quite common: pneumonia, middle ear infection, diarrhea, rarer - encephalitis, very rare - subacute sclerosing panencephalitis.

Period of infectivity. A patient can infect others 4-5 days before and four days after the onset of the rash.

Incubation period - 10-12 days (can range from 7 to 18 days).

Prevention - vaccination with the combined measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine.

Tests. Detection of Measles (Anti-Measles Virus) virus IgG and IgM antibodies, a test system based on ELISA, is designed to detect IgG and IgM class antibodies against the measles virus in serum or plasma.

When performing diagnostic tests, immune status is determined by conducting certain tests for measles virus-related IgM and/or IgG antibodies. An increase in the titre of measles virus IgG and IgM is useful for confirming an acute measles virus diagnosis. Measles IgG antibodies remain for a lifetime after infection or successful vaccination. Detection of IgG antibodies is used to confirm acquired immunity.