Abstract
The genetic characterization of wild-type measles strains isolated during an epidemic cluster of measles occurred in Puglia (South Italy), between November 2006 and January 2007, was performed. Measles virus (MV) detection was carried out by a nested RT-PCR on 8 of 18 total cases. The viruses were analyzed using the standard genotyping protocols. The N gene sequences of the strains from outbreak were identical to each other, and sequence analysis revealed that the viruses belonged to genotype B3, subgroup B3.1, never identified before in Italy. An importation of measles B3.1 strains from Africa was hypothesized. Molecular surveillance will help to monitor the progress in measles elimination.
Highlights
Active epidemiologic surveillance, laboratory confirmation of suspected cases and monitoring of measles virus genotypes are primary goals for countries of the World Health Organization (WHO) European region involved in the process of eliminating measles [2]
Laboratory confirmation of suspected cases and monitoring of measles virus genotypes are primary goals for countries of the WHO European region involved in the process of eliminating measles [2]
Molecular epidemiology of measles virus has proven a useful tool for epidemiologic investigation and enables the identification of source of infection and transmission pathways [3]
Summary
Laboratory confirmation of suspected cases and monitoring of measles virus genotypes are primary goals for countries of the WHO European region involved in the process of eliminating measles [2]. Between November 2006 and January 2007 an epidemic cluster of measles was identified in Barletta city, Puglia region (South Italy), among children and teenagers
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
