TRANSMISSION AND MOLECULAR CHARACTERISATION OF WILD MEASLES VIRUS IN ROMANIA, 2008 TO 2012

Wednesday, 23rd of April 2014

[source]Euro Surveillance Bulletin[|source]

Genetic characterisation of measles viruses constitutes an important part of laboratory surveillance. Molecular epidemiology confirms the transmission pathway of measles virus, thereby complementing classical epidemiology. Moreover, interruption of endemic measles virus transmission (i.e. circulation of a certain variant for more than 12 months) is an important criterion for verification of measles virus elimination in Europe. Therefore, it is necessary to distinguish between endemic and imported viruses using molecular methods.

 

In this report, the authors describe the genetic characterisation of measles viruses detected in Romania from 2008 to 2012, focusing on the recent outbreaks that occurred in the country between 2010 and 2012 that affected mainly groups with limited access to healthcare facilities and schools. The report underlines the importance of measles genotyping during the different phases of an outbreak. More details are accessible at: http://www.eurosurveillance.org/ViewArticle.aspx?ArticleId=20658

 

 

ABSTRACT

Molecular characterisation of measles virus is a powerful tool for tracing transmission. Genotyping may prove the absence of endemic circulation of measles virus, i.e. transmission for more than 12 months, which is one of the criteria for verifying elimination of the disease. We have genetically characterised measles viruses detected in Romania from 2008 to 2012, focusing on the recent outbreaks from 2010 to 2012 that affected mainly groups with limited access to healthcare and schools. The findings emphasise the importance of genotyping during the different phases of an outbreak. A total of 8,170 cases were notified, and 5,093 (62%) of the 7,559 possible cases were serologically confirmed. RT-PCR was performed for 104 samples: from the 101 positive samples obtained from sporadic measles cases or clusters from different counties, 73 were genotyped. Sporadic measles cases associated with D4 and D5 viruses were observed from 2008 to 2009. Genotype D4-Manchester was predominant in 2011 and 2012. In addition, the related variant D4-Maramures and MVs/Limoges.FRA/17.10[D4] and a few D4-Hamburg strains were detected. The detection of several distinct MV-D4 genotypes suggests multiple virus importations to Romania. The outbreak associated with D4 genotype is the second largest outbreak in Romania in less than 10 years.