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Insights into measles virus: Serological surveillance and molecular characterization
Zainab Khalid1, Javed Muhammad1, Hina Ali2
1Department of Microbiology, The University of Haripur, Haripur, KP 22610, Pakistan.
Background:
Measles has been a significant public health concern in Pakistan, especially in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) province, where sporadic and silent epidemics continue to challenge existing control measures. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence and investigate the molecular epidemiology of the measles virus (MeV) in KPK and explore the vaccination status among the suspected individuals.
Methods:
A cross-sectional study was conducted between February and October 2021. A total of 336 suspected measles cases from the study population were analyzed for IgM antibodies using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Throat swabs were randomly collected from a subset of positive cases for molecular analysis. Phylogenetic analysis of MeV isolates was performed using the neighbor-joining method. The vaccination status of individuals was also recorded.
Results:
Among the suspected participants, 61.0% (205/336) were ELISA positive for IgM antibodies, with a higher prevalence in males (64.17%) compared to females (57.04%). The majority of cases (36.0%) were observed in infants and toddlers, consistent with previous reports. The majority of IgM-positive cases (71.7%) had not received any dose of measles vaccine, highlighting gaps in vaccine coverage and the need for improved immunization programs. Genetic analysis revealed that all MeV isolates belonged to the B3 genotype, with minor genetic variations from previously reported variants in the region.
Conclusion:
This study provides valuable insights into the genetic epidemiology of the MeV in KPK, Pakistan. The high incidence of measles infection among unvaccinated individuals highlights the urgency of raising awareness about vaccine importance and strengthening routine immunization programs.
Insights
Measles remains a concern in Pakistan, with high infection rates in unvaccinated individuals in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Strengthening measles vaccination programs is crucial for public health.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Measles poses a significant public health challenge in Pakistan, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK).
- Sporadic and silent measles epidemics persist, challenging existing control strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate measles virus (MeV) prevalence in KPK.
- To investigate the molecular epidemiology of MeV in the region.
- To assess the vaccination status of suspected measles cases.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study was conducted from February to October 2021.
- Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) was used to detect MeV IgM antibodies in 336 suspected cases.
- Phylogenetic analysis of MeV isolates and vaccination status recording were performed.
Main Results:
- Measles IgM antibodies were detected in 61.0% of suspected cases, with higher prevalence in males.
- Infants and toddlers represented the largest affected age group (36.0%).
- A significant majority (71.7%) of IgM-positive individuals were unvaccinated, indicating low vaccine coverage. All isolates were genotype B3.
Conclusions:
- The study highlights the genetic epidemiology of MeV in KPK, Pakistan.
- High measles incidence among unvaccinated individuals underscores the need for improved immunization programs.
- Raising awareness about vaccine importance is critical for measles control.
