Measles Virus IgM Antibodies

Source of infection - humans.

Route of spread. Spreads via airborne (aerosol and droplet) routes, as well as through respiratory secretions contaminated hands or other environmental objects. Measles is one of the most easily spread and highly contagious diseases. Contact between people lasting more than 15 minutes is sufficient for a susceptible person to become infected.

Clinical symptoms and signs. Initially, measles (in the prodromal period) is usually characterized by fever, followed by conjunctivitis, runny nose, cough, and the appearance of Koplik spots. A characteristic maculopapular rash that does not itch. The rash usually appears on the 3rd to 7th day of the disease, starts on the face, and then spreads to other parts of the body; the rash lasts 4-7 days.

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

Period of contagion. The 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 - vaccinated with the combined measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine.

Tests. Determination of Measles (Anti-Measles Virus) virus IgG and IgM antibodies, this is a test system based on ELISA aimed at detecting IgG and IgM class antibodies against the measles virus in serum or plasma.

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