Measles virus IgG ELISA

Enzyme immunoassay for the qualitative determination of IgG-class antibodies against the Measles virus in human serum or plasma. Measles or morbilli virus belongs to the RNA viruses of the family Paramyxoviridae. The virions are spherical particles of 150-250 nm in diameter consisting of the ribonucleoprotein with helical symmetry and an envelope with spikes containing the strain-specific and hemagglutinating antigens. Morbilli viruses have no neuraminidase activity. Measles is a classic childhood disease. The virus is endemic: at the age of 20 about 90% of the population has had immunological experience with it. Newborns are protected by maternal antibodies for the first 3-4 months of life; the active disease leaves lifelong immunity. The measles virus has a contagiousity index of about 96%, is worldwide distributed, and can be serious. Bacterial superinfection was a serious threat in the preantibiotic era, but the prognosis of uncomplicated measles is now good. CNS complications such as encephalomyelitis (0.1%) which may occur after the acute phase of measles infection subsides, however still have a high mortality (10%). Prognosis of recovery in these patients is poor. Between 10-30% of all cases are fatal; 20-50% develop significant damages. Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) is a rare (1:1000) degenerative disease of the CNS which is thought to be a slow virus infection.

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