Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 18, 2025

Paramyxoviruses for Tumor-targeted Immunomodulation: Design and Evaluation Ex Vivo
Published on: January 7, 2019
Increase in measles cases in a City hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
Mehmet Karabey1, Nuran Karabulut1, Sema Alaçam1
1Department of Medical Virology, Basaksehir Cam and Sakura City Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey.
Objectives:
Measles cases are increasing remarkably in our country as well as all over the world. In this study, it was aimed to examine the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of measles cases detected in our hospital, as well as the measles seroprevalence in our region.
Methods:
A total of 7,452 individuals whose measles IgG and/or IgM antibodies were studied between December 2021 and March 2023 in the Medical Virology Laboratory in Başakşehir Çam and Sakura City Hospital were included in this retrospective study. Measles IgG and IgM antibodies were analysed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Demographic information, clinical symptoms and laboratory data of the participants were obtained from the hospital's electronic medical records.
Results:
A total of 102 measles cases were identified between December 2021 and March 2023. Of these cases, 77 (75.5%) patients were ≤ 18 years old. Of the 73 measles cases with vaccination information, 90% were unvaccinated. The measles seroprevalence rate was 72.8%. The lowest seroprevalence rate (4.8%) among the age groups was found in 8-11-month-old babies, the highest cases rate (35.7%) was detected in this age group. It was determined that measles immunity increased with age (r = 0.276, p < 0.001) and was over 89.3% over the age of 30.
Conclusions:
Measles immunity is insufficient in our region and measles remains an important public health problem until the age of 18. The recent increase in measles cases in our country and around the world shows that current vaccination programmes need to be implemented more decisively and strictly.
Insights
Measles outbreaks are rising globally. This study found low measles immunity in our region, with most cases unvaccinated and under 18, highlighting vaccination program gaps.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Epidemiology
- Immunology
Background:
- Measles incidence is increasing globally and nationally.
- Understanding regional measles epidemiology and seroprevalence is crucial for public health strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of measles cases.
- To determine measles seroprevalence in the region.
- To assess the impact of vaccination on measles cases.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of 7,452 individuals from December 2021 to March 2023.
- Analysis of measles IgG and IgM antibodies using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.
- Data collected from electronic medical records, including demographics, symptoms, and vaccination status.
Main Results:
- 102 measles cases identified; 75.5% were under 18 years old.
- 90% of cases with known vaccination status were unvaccinated.
- Overall measles seroprevalence was 72.8%, with lower rates in infants (4.8% in 8-11 months) but the highest case incidence in this group.
Conclusions:
- Measles immunity is insufficient in the region, posing a significant public health risk, especially for individuals under 18.
- The rise in measles cases underscores the need for stricter and more decisive implementation of vaccination programs.
Related Concept Videos
Vaccinations
Increased Body Temperature
Pulmonary Tuberculosis I
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...
Pulmonary Tuberculosis IV
Several diagnostic approaches are used to detect TB. The conventional method is the Tuberculin Skin Test (TST), also known as the Mantoux test. However, this method has...
Steps in Outbreak Investigation
Pulmonary Tuberculosis V
Latent tuberculosis infection occurs when TB bacteria are present in a person's body, but are not causing illness or symptoms. It is not contagious, and preventive treatment is crucial to avoid the...

