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Updated: Jun 23, 2026

A Precise Pathogen Delivery and Recovery System for Murine Models of Secondary Bacterial Pneumonia
Published on: September 21, 2019
[Measles and its secondary pulmonary complications: prevention is better than treatment]
S Montella1, F Santamaria, M Maglione
1Dipartimento di Pediatria, Università degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II", Napoli, Roma.
Abstract:
Recent measles outbreaks observed in North America and in several European countries, including Italy, raised the attention about the risks linked to this infection and the need of implementing and maintaining adequate preventive strategies. Measles may cause several respiratory complications such as chronic obstructive lung disease, pneumonia, with subsequent development of chronic suppurative lung disease, giant cells pneumonia or progressive respiratory insufficiency. The current preventive strategies aim to improve vaccination coverage rates with 2 doses of measles-mumps and rubella vaccine, and to catch up individuals who have not been previously vaccinated. The present review analyses pulmonary complications of measles and measles preventive strategies. Elimination of measles is a feasible goal. Since measles complications are preventable by vaccination, improvement in vaccination coverage is highly desirable.
Insights
Measles outbreaks highlight the need for vaccination. Improving measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine coverage can prevent serious lung complications and aid measles elimination.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Infectious Diseases
- Respiratory Medicine
Context:
- Recent measles outbreaks in North America and Europe underscore risks.
- Measles poses significant threats, including severe respiratory complications.
Purpose:
- To review measles-related pulmonary complications.
- To analyze current and needed measles preventive strategies.
Summary:
- Measles can lead to chronic obstructive lung disease, pneumonia, and respiratory insufficiency.
- Current strategies focus on achieving high 2-dose measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine coverage.
- Catch-up vaccination is crucial for unvaccinated individuals.
Impact:
- Eliminating measles is achievable through enhanced preventive measures.
- Increased vaccination coverage is essential to prevent measles complications and achieve elimination.
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