High Genetic Diversity of Measles Virus in Europe (2005-2006)
Author Information
Author(s): Kremer Jacques R., Brown Kevin E., Jin Li, Santibanez Sabine, Shulga Sergey V., Aboudy Yair, Demchyshyna Irina V., Djemileva Sultana, Echevarria Juan E., Featherstone David F., Hukic Mirsada, Johansen Kari, Litwinska Bogumila, Lopareva Elena, Lupulescu Emilia, Mentis Andreas, Mihneva Zefira, Mosquera Maria M., Muscat Mark, Naumova M.A., Nedeljkovic Jasminka, Nekrasova Ljubov S., Magurano Fabio, Fortuna Claudia, Rebelo de Andrade Helena, Richard Jean-Luc, Robo Alma, Rota Paul A., Samoilovich Elena O., Sarv Inna, Semeiko Galina V., Shugayev Nazim, Utegenova Elmira S., van Binnendijk Rob, Vinner Lasse, Waku-Kouomou Diane, Wild T. Fabian, Brown David W.G., Mankertz Annette, Muller Claude P., Mulders Mick N.
Primary Institution: World Health Organization (WHO)
Hypothesis
What is the genetic diversity of measles virus in the WHO European Region during 2005-2006?
Conclusion
The study found that despite enhanced vaccination efforts, the importation of measles virus from other continents led to large outbreaks in Europe.
Supporting Evidence
- Nine measles virus genotypes were identified in the WHO European Region during 2005-2006.
- Major epidemics were associated with genotypes D4, D6, and B3.
- Enhanced vaccination has likely interrupted the transmission of several indigenous measles virus strains.
- Importation of measles virus from Africa and Asia caused large outbreaks in unvaccinated communities.
- 36,426 and 55,578 measles cases were reported in 2005 and 2006, respectively.
Takeaway
Scientists studied measles viruses in Europe and found many different types, showing that even with vaccines, the virus can still spread from other places.
Methodology
Laboratory case confirmation and MV genotyping were performed in 25 of the 53 member states of the WHO European Region.
Limitations
Some countries did not report measles genotypes despite large numbers of cases.
Participant Demographics
The study included data from 53 member states of the WHO European Region.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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