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Polymorphonuclear leukocyte-associated antigenemia in measles: demonstration and significance
Abstract:
An indirect immunoperoxidase technique was used for the identification of measles virus (MeV) antigen in routinely prepared peripheral blood smears. Characteristic brown immunoperoxidase staining was present in the polymorphonuclear (PMN) leukocytes in 25 of 31 children during the exanthematous stage of measles. No peroxidase staining was seen on peripheral blood smears in any of 9 children convalescing from measles or in 9 children with upper respiratory tract infections ( URTI ) without exanthema. These findings were confirmed by control studies and were reproduced by immunofluorescent staining. The data suggest that MeV antigen is localized in the PMN leukocytes during the acute stage of measles infection, and may be connected to phagocytosis of viral antigenic material by PMN leukocytes. The technique described has potential for rapid laboratory diagnosis of measles and, possibly, of other viral infections during the acute stage and before measurable amounts of antibodies are produced.
Insights
Measles virus (MeV) antigen was identified in polymorphonuclear (PMN) leukocytes using an immunoperoxidase technique in children with measles. This method shows potential for rapid diagnosis of measles infection before antibody production.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Hematology
Background:
- Measles virus (MeV) infection diagnosis typically relies on antibody detection.
- Early viral antigen detection in peripheral blood could improve diagnostic speed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify measles virus (MeV) antigen in peripheral blood leukocytes during acute measles.
- To evaluate the utility of an indirect immunoperoxidase technique for MeV antigen detection.
Main Methods:
- Indirect immunoperoxidase staining was applied to peripheral blood smears from measles patients.
- Stained smears were examined for characteristic brown staining in leukocytes.
- Results were compared with convalescent measles patients and those with upper respiratory tract infections (URTI).
- Immunofluorescent staining was used for confirmation.
Main Results:
- Measles virus (MeV) antigen was detected in polymorphonuclear (PMN) leukocytes of 25/31 children during the exanthematous stage of measles.
- No MeV antigen staining was observed in convalescent measles patients or URTI patients without exanthema.
- Findings were confirmed by control studies and immunofluorescence.
Conclusions:
- Measles virus (MeV) antigen localizes in PMN leukocytes during acute measles infection.
- This localization may be linked to phagocytosis of viral material by PMN leukocytes.
- The immunoperoxidase technique offers a potential method for rapid laboratory diagnosis of measles and other viral infections during the acute phase.