The first outbreak of measles virus caused by imported genotype D8 in Jiangsu province of China

ABSTRACT Here we reported the outbreak of measles cases caused by the genotype D8 measles virus for the first time in Jiangsu province in China, which was possibly imported by a foreign student from Laos. Throat swab specimens were collected, and used to isolate virus. 634-bp fragment of the N gene and 1854-bp fragment of H gene were amplified by reverse transcription-PCR and sequenced, respectively. Phylogenetic results indicated that they belonged to genotype D8 measles virus. Further epidemiology investigation showed that the adults with D8 measles virus infection did not receive measles vaccine before having measles. In China, almost all D8 genotype MeV only infected those population without receiving measles vaccine immunization. Therefore, it is still necessary to implement the supplement activity of measles immunization target adult with immunity gap.

Molecular epidemiology of measles virus infection in Shanghai in 2000–2012: the first appearance of genotype D8

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify measles virus in Shanghai in 2012 and study the genotype trend of measles virus epidemic strains during 2000–2012. Methods: Nose and throat swab specimens were collected from 34 suspected measles cases in Shanghai. Measles virus was isolated using Vero-SLAM cells (African green monkey kidney cells/lymphoid signal activating factor-transfected African green monkey kidney cells). The 450 bp of C terminus of the N gene and the entire hemagglutinin gene sequence was amplified using RT-PCR. Phylogenetic analysis was performed by comparing the seven measles strains in Shanghai with the reference strains for H1a, H1b and D8 genotypes, as well as the Chinese measles virus vaccine strain. Results: Seven measles viruses strains were isolated from the 34 throat swap specimens. Six strains were genotype H1a, which is the predominant strain in China and one strain was genotype D8, which is the first imported strain since 2000. All these seven strains maintained most of the glycosylation sites except subtype H1a, which lost one glycosylation site. Conclusion: Since 2000, measles virus strains in Shanghai are consistent with measles virus from other provinces in China with H1a being the predominant genotype. This study is also the first report of genotype D8 strain in Shanghai. All strains maintained their glycosylation sites except H1a that lost one glycosylation site. These strains could still be neutralized by the Chinese measles vaccine. We suggest that Shanghai Center for Disease Control laboratories should strengthen their approaches to monitor measles cases to prevent further spread of imported strains. .

Molecular analysis of rubella virus in travelers suspected of measles infection in São Paulo, Brazil / Análise molecular do vírus da rubéola em turistas suspeitos de infecção por sarampo em São Paulo, Brasil

OBJECTIVE: To identify measles virus genotypes in three cases of travelers suspected of measles infection. METHODS: Samples (blood and urine) were collected for serology, virus isolation, and genotyping. Sera were analyzed for IgM antibodies against measles virus and rubella virus by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) (Siemens - Marburg, Germany). Clinical samples (lymphocytes and urine) were inoculated into Statens Serum Institute rabbit corneal epithelial cell line- ATCC CL 60 (SIRC) and Vero Slam cells. RNA was extracted from clinical samples and cell culture was inoculated and processed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with oligonucleotides specific for measles virus (MV) and rubella virus (RV). RESULTS: All patients showed IgM negative serology for MV and positive IgM for RV. RV belonging to genotypes 1B, 1C, and 1E were isolated from patients who came from Finland, Peru, and Germany, respectively. Genotype 1B has been found in Europe and on the East Coast of South America; 1C has been found in Peru and the West Coast of South America, and 1E, first identified in 1997, now appears to have worldwide distribution. CONCLUSION: Information about RV and MV genotypes circulating in São Paulo is essential for the control of measles, rubella, and congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) in Brazil.

OBJETIVO: Identificar o genótipo do vírus do sarampo em três viajantes suspeitos de infecção por sarampo. MÉTODOS: Amostras (sangue e urina) foram coletadas para sorologia, isolamento viral e genotipagem. As sorologias para pesquisa de IgM para o vírus do sarampo e da rubéola foi realizada utilizando-se o kit de ELISA (Siemens - Marburg, Alemanha). As amostras clínicas (linfócito e urina) foram inoculadas na SIRC (Statens Serum Institute rabbit corneal epithelial cell line-ATCC CL 60) e nas células Vero Slam. O RNA foi extraído das amostras clínicas e das células inoculadas e processadas por PCR, utilizando oligonucleotideos específicos para sarampo e rubéola. RESULTADOS: Todos os pacientes apresentaram sorologia IgM negativa para sarampo e positivo para rubéola. Os vírus da rubéola isolados dos pacientes que vieram da Finlândia, Peru e Alemanha pertencem aos genótipos 1B, 1C e 1E, respectivamente. O genótipo 1B foi encontrado na Europa e na costa oriental da América do Sul, o genótipo 1C foi encontrado no Peru e na costa oeste da América do Sul e o genótipo 1E, identificado pela primeira vez em 1997, agora aparenta ser um genótipo com distribuição mundial. CONCLUSÃO: O conhecimento dos genótipos de sarampo e rubéola que circulam em São Paulo é essencial para o controle do sarampo, rubéola e síndrome da rubéola congênita.

Molecular epidemiology of measles virus before and after the 2003 mass vaccination campaign for measles/rubella in Iran

Molecular epidemiology of measles virus [MV] is important, not only to measure the success of measles vaccination programs but also to monitor the circulation and elimination of the virus worldwide. In this study, we compared MV obtained from patients before the 2003 mass vaccination MR campaign and viruses detected after 2003 until 2008 in Iran. The nucleoprotein [N] gene of 29 MV strains circulating in Iran between 2002 and 2008 were amplified by RT-PCR and subjected to sequence and phylogenetic analysis. Molecular characterization of MV studied here revealed that although the outbreaks in Iran were associated with MV genotype D4, the isolated viruses clearly belonged to several different lineages. Maximum and minimum homology within the 29 Iranian strains in our study was100% and 94.9% within the carboxyl terminus of the N gene, respectively. Using Clustal X program, the alignment of Iranian MV sequences showed nine lineages. This study provides the usefulness of MV sequence analysis for the demonstration of local interruption of indigenous strain transmission as well as providing a valuable means for monitoring the elimination processes of MV control