Measles virus
Measles is highly infectious childhood disease spread by respiratory secretion.
It is caused by measles virus.
Structure
It is an enveloped RNA virus.
It has RNA in nucleocapsid.
Envelope contain two types of spikes;
Fusion, Hemagglutin in spikes.
Sources and Mode of Transmission
Measles virus acquired by inhalation.
Infected human being is major source of infection.
Humans are only natural reservoir host of measles.
It is transmitted by inhalation of droplet from respiratory tract.
Pathogenesis
Virus enters the body through respiratory tract by inhalation of excreted droplet.
It multiplies in respiratory tract and enter blood stream.
Incubation period is 10-14 days.
Symptoms
Fever
Malaise
Redness of conjunctiva
Cough and nasal discharge
Koplik's spot on buccal mucosa
(Help in clinical diagnosis of measles before appearance of rashes).
Lab Diagnosis
Specimen collection
Nose, throat, conjuctival swab, urine sample, blood sample, CSF.
Cell culture
Measles virus grow better on cell culture.
Serological test
Prophylaxis and Treatment
Vaccination combination measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) given.
It provides protection from measles.
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