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Molecular characterization of measles viruses in Central African Republic, 2012-2016

Joël Dote1, Vianney Tricou1, Laure K Gnikpingo2

  • 1Institut Pasteur de Bangui, Bangui, Central African Republic.

Journal of Medical Virology
|August 4, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Measles remains a threat in the Central African Republic (CAR). Genotyping revealed genotype B3 was endemic, while genotype B2 was absent during 2012-2016.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Public Health
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Measles is a significant cause of illness and death in young African children, despite being vaccine-preventable.
  • National measles elimination programs were initiated in several African countries, including the Central African Republic (CAR), in 2015.
  • Measles continues to be a public health concern in Africa, with the CAR being particularly affected.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the genotypes of measles virus strains circulating in the Central African Republic (CAR) between 2012 and 2016.
  • To assess the effectiveness of measles elimination programs by analyzing circulating viral strains.
  • To provide data for future public health interventions and measles control strategies in the CAR.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective study utilizing blood samples (n=255) and oral swabs (n=7) from measles IgM-positive cases.
  • Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to detect measles virus RNA.
  • Phylogenetic analysis was performed on 40 high-quality sequences obtained from positive samples.

Main Results:

  • Fifty samples tested positive for measles virus via RT-PCR.
  • Phylogenetic analysis identified 38 strains belonging to genotype B3, indicating its endemic presence in the CAR during the study period.
  • No measles virus strains of genotype B2 were detected, suggesting its potential elimination from the region.

Conclusions:

  • Genotype B3 was the predominant measles virus strain circulating in the CAR from 2012 to 2016.
  • The absence of genotype B2 suggests a potential shift in circulating measles strains, possibly linked to vaccination efforts.
  • Continued molecular surveillance is crucial for monitoring measles virus evolution and guiding elimination strategies in the CAR.
Keywords:
Central African Republicgenotypingmeasles

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