Measles Virus IgM Antibodies

Source of infection - humans.

Route of transmission. It spreads through the air (aerosol and droplet) route, as well as through hands or other environmental objects contaminated with respiratory secretions. Measles is one of the most easily spread, 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) usually presents with fever, later: conjunctivitis, runny nose, cough, Koplik's spots appear. A characteristic maculopapular rash that does not itch. The rash usually appears on the 3rd-7th day of the disease, starting in the facial area and later spreading to other parts of the body; the rash lasts 4-7 days.

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

Period of infectivity. 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. Detection of measles (Anti-Measles Virus) virus IgG and IgM antibodies, this is a test system based on ELISA and is intended to detect 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 for measles virus-related IgM and/or IgG antibodies. An increase in measles virus IgG and IgM titers is useful for confirming an acute measles virus diagnosis. Measles IgG antibodies persist for a lifetime after infection or successful vaccination. Detection of IgG antibodies is used to confirm acquired immunity.