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Characterization of measles virus strains causing SSPE: a study of 11 cases

L Jin1, S Beard, R Hunjan

  • 1Enteric, Respiratory, and Neurological Virus Laboratory, Central Public Health Laboratory, London, United Kingdom. ljin@phls.org.uk

Journal of Neurovirology
|August 6, 2002
PubMed

Insights

Investigating subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) in the UK revealed measles virus (MV) strains. Phylogenetic analysis showed diverse MV genotypes, with no evidence linking vaccine strains to SSPE development.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Neurology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) is a rare, fatal neurological complication of measles virus (MV) infection.
  • Understanding the genetic diversity and evolution of MV strains involved in SSPE is crucial for pathogenesis research.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To genetically characterize measles virus (MV) strains from historic subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) cases in the UK.
  • To investigate the phylogenetic relationships of these MV strains and assess the potential role of vaccine strains in SSPE.

Main Methods:

  • Direct RT-PCR amplification and sequencing of matrix (M), hemagglutinin (H), and nucleoprotein (N) genes from brain tissues of 11 SSPE patients.
  • Phylogenetic analysis of sequenced MV genes to determine strain genotypes and evolutionary relationships.

Main Results:

  • Sequenced M genes exhibited characteristic hypermutations, with premature termination codons in 5/11 sequences.
  • Phylogenetic analysis identified MV strains related to clade C, a novel genotype, and genotypes D1, D6, and D7.
  • No MV vaccine strains were detected in any of the SSPE cases, including those previously immunized.

Conclusions:

  • The genetic data from historic SSPE cases do not support an association between MV vaccine strains and SSPE.
  • These findings provide valuable insights into MV epidemiology, evolution, and pathogenesis in SSPE.

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