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Updated: May 17, 2026
09:04
In Vitro ELISA Test to Evaluate Rabies Vaccine Potency
Published on: May 11, 2020
[Measles in France]
G Mortamet1, J Dina, F Freymuth
1Laboratoire de virologie, Centre national de référence de la rougeole et des paramyxovirus respiratoires, CHU de Caen, avenue Clemenceau, 14000 Caen, France. mortam@hotmail.fr
Summary
Measles outbreaks in France are linked to low vaccination rates. Pediatricians play a crucial role in achieving the World Health Organization's 95% measles vaccination coverage goal to prevent resurgence.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Context:
- Measles outbreaks have persisted in Western Europe, with a notable resurgence in France since 2008.
- The disease poses significant risks, particularly to infants, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals, leading to severe complications like pneumonia and encephalitis.
- Measles during pregnancy increases risks of premature labor, spontaneous abortion, and low-birthweight infants, with a reported mortality rate of approximately 0.3%.
Purpose:
- To detail the epidemiological surveillance and virologic diagnostic methods for measles in France.
- To analyze measles virus strains and their geographic origins using molecular techniques.
- To highlight the impact of vaccination coverage on measles resurgence.
Summary:
- The National Reference Center for measles and paramyxoviridae conducts surveillance and biological confirmation using real-time PCR for viral RNA and serologic tests for IgM and IgG antibodies.
- Genotyping of the measles virus N gene aids in tracking viral strains and their origins.
- In 2011, 64% of 3105 specimens tested positive for measles, predominantly in young children and adults, underscoring the need for increased vaccination.
Impact:
- Low vaccination coverage is identified as the primary driver of measles resurgence.
- Achieving the World Health Organization's target of 95% vaccination coverage is critical for controlling measles outbreaks.
- Pediatricians are essential in promoting vaccination and reaching the WHO's coverage goals.
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