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Isolation of Nigerian strains of measles virus
F D Adu1, O O Omotade, O Ikusika
1Department of Virology and Institute of Child Health, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan.
Abstract:
We have recently succeeded in isolating two measles viruses, Ibn H13153 and Ibn H13154 from the peripheral lymphocytes of two unvaccinated 9 and 12 month old outpatient children at the Institute of Child Health, University College Hospital Ibadan, Nigeria. The viruses have undergone six serial passages in B95a and Vero cell lines where characteristic measles cytopathic effects (CPE) have been noticed. The viruses have been confirmed to be measles by Haemagglutination Inhibition (HI) test and the Indirect Immunofluorescent antibody Test (IFT). Both isolates agglutinated 0.75% monkey rbc. The HA titres were 1:40 and 1:80 respectively. Antigens from the known positive Edmonston strain and uninoculated Vero cell line gave an HA titre of 1:160 and 1:0 respectively. Further characterisation with respect to the polypeptide and DNA components is under way.
Insights
Two measles virus strains were isolated from unvaccinated Nigerian children. These measles virus isolates were confirmed using serological tests and cell culture, with further characterization pending.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
Background:
- Measles remains a significant public health concern globally.
- Effective measles virus surveillance is crucial for disease control and prevention.
Observation:
- Two measles virus strains, Ibn H13153 and Ibn H13154, were successfully isolated from peripheral lymphocytes of unvaccinated children in Ibadan, Nigeria.
- The isolates exhibited characteristic measles cytopathic effects (CPE) after serial passages in B95a and Vero cell lines.
Findings:
- The isolated viruses were confirmed as measles virus through Haemagglutination Inhibition (HI) and Indirect Immunofluorescent antibody Test (IFT).
- Both isolates demonstrated hemagglutinating activity against monkey red blood cells, with HA titres of 1:40 and 1:80.
Implications:
- These findings contribute to the understanding of measles virus circulation in Nigeria.
- Further characterization of viral polypeptide and DNA components will provide deeper insights into the genetic makeup of these measles virus strains.