Showing papers on "Measles published in 1975"

Replication and persistence of measles virus in defined subpopulations of human leukocytes.

Abstract: Replication of Edmonston strain measles virus was studied in several human lymphoblast lines, as well as in defined subpopulations of circulating human leukocytes. It was found that measles virus can productively infect T cells, B cells, and monocytes from human blood. These conclusions were derived from infectious center studies on segregated cell populations, as well as from ultrastructural analyses on cells labeled with specific markers. In contrast, mature polymorphonuclear cells failed to synthesize measles virus nucleocapsids even after infection at a relatively high multiplicity of infection. Measles virus replicated more efficiently in lymphocytes stimulated with mitogens than in unstimulated cells. However, both phytohemagglutinin and pokeweed mitogen had a negligible stimulatory effect on viral synthesis in purified populations of monocytes. In all instances the efficiency of measles virus replication by monocytes was appreciably less than that of mitogenically stimulated lymphocytes or of continuously culture lymphoblasts. Under standard conditions of infection, all of the surveyed lymphoblast lines produced equivalent amounts of measles virus regardless of the major histocompatibility (HL-A) haplotype. Hence, no evidence was found that the HL-A3,7 haplotype conferred either an advantage or disadvantage with respect to measles virus synthesis in an immunologically neutral environment. A persistent infection with measles virus could be established in both T and B lymphoblasts. The release of infectious virus from such persistently infected cells was stable over a period of several weeks and was approximately 100-fold less than peak viral titers obtained in each respective line after acute infection.

Reduced secretory antibody response to live attenuated measles and poliovirus vaccines in malnourished children.

Abstract: Serum and nasopharyngeal IgA antibody levels were estimated in 20 malnourished children and 20 matched healthy controls after immunization with a single dose of live attenuated measles or poliovirus vaccine. Seroconversion and serum neutralizing antibody titres were comparable in the two groups. Secretory IgA antibody was detected significantly less often in undernourished children; the time of its first appearance was delayed-and its maximum level was significantly lower. Impaired secretory antibody response in malnourished children may contribute to slow inadequate recovery from viral and enterobacterial infections and predispose to lifethreatening complications.

Measles virus receptor on human T lymphocytes.

Abstract: ONE of the factors which may determine whether or not a cell is susceptible to a particular virus is the presence in the cell membrane of a receptor or a binding site for the virus1. It has been demonstrated that certain viruses, including herpes and myxoviruses, can infect and multiply within lymphocytes2,3. Following von Pirquet's original observation4 it is now well recognised that acute measles infection is associated with depression of cellular (T lymphocyte-dependent) immunity. More recently, striking cytopathic changes have been described in the thymus of children during and shortly after measles5. Furthermore, blood lymphocytes from measles patients form giant cells when cultured in vitro6. In a cytotoxicity assay devised to study cellular immunity to measles in vitro (unpublished), we observed that lymphocytes seemed to cluster around measles-infected fibroblasts in far greater numbers than would be expected if only specifically measles-reactive lymphocytes were involved. We therefore decided to investigate further the nature of this clustering phenomenon. It was found that the majority of human T lymphocytes have surface binding sites for measles virus and, on binding, were cytotoxic to measles-infected cells regardless of the donor's previous experience of measles infection.

Smallpox eradication in West and Central Africa.

Abstract: In 1966, a programme to eradicate smallpox and control measles began in West and Central Africa. With WHO and US bilateral technical and financial assistance, the 20 countries mounted a coordinated campaign of mass vaccination, assessment, surveillance, and maintenance activities. The last cases of smallpox occurred in May 1970. The introduction of epidemiologically directed surveillance-containment activities and their rapid success resulted in interruption of smallpox transmission much sooner than anticipated. The area has remained free of smallpox. From 1966 to 1972, over 28 000 000 children 1-6 years of age also received measles vaccination. The campaign established or strengthened structures for preventive health care services in all the countries.

Measles mortality: a retrospective look at the vaccine era.

Abstract: Barkin, R. M. (Bureau of Epidemiology, CDC, Atlanta, GA 30333). Measles mortality: A retrospective look at the vaccine era. Am J Epidemiol 102:341-349, 1975. Measles mortality provides an indicator in defining the population at greatest risk of experiencing serious complications from measles as well as serving as a parameter in assessing the impact of immunization programs. Efforts to vaccinate susceptible children have helped to reduce measles morbidity and mortality in the United States. Mortality rates were highest in children 6-11 months of age. Higher mortality rates were noted in places with less than 10,000 people and in counties having a large percentage of the population with incomes below poverty level. Vaccine should be accessible to all populations, but intensive efforts need to be directed toward groups at high risk of dying from measles who are suffering from a myriad of other health, social, and economic problems.

Long-Term Follow-up for Immunity After Monovalent or Combined Live Measles, Mumps, and Rubella Virus Vaccines

Abstract: Antibody in human subjects persisted without substantial decline for 8 years after mumps vaccine (Jeryl Lynn), for 6 years after measles (Attenuvax), for 5 1/2 years after rubella vaccine (HPV-77 duck), for 5 years after measles-mumps-rubella and mumps-rubella combined vaccines, for 4 years after measles and rubella, and for 2 years after measles-mumps vaccines, the longest periods tested. Protective immunity against mumps illness persisted through the eighth year. The patterns for antibody following vaccination parallel those for natural infection and indicate that immunity will be lasting. Subclinical reinfection evidenced by antibody increase was commonly seen in persons who had been vaccinated, much as follows the natural infection.

Demonstration of in vitro lymphocyte-mediated cytotoxicity against measles virus in SSPE.

Abstract: Patients with subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) are presumed to lack specific cellular immunity against measles virus. In order to test this hypothesis in vitro, the interaction between peripheral lymphocytes and measles virus-infected tissue culture cells was investigated in 10 SSPE patients. Human fibroblasts, either uninfected or carrying a persistent measles virus infection, were labeled with 51Cr and incubated with lymphocytes for 18 to 20 hr in the absence of antibody and complement. Peripheral lymphocytes from measles sero-positive and sero-negative individuals were tested, and the system was found to be virus specific. The lymphocytes from the 10 SSPE patients caused specific cytotoxicity of target cells. A correlation was not found between antibody titer and specific 51Cr release. It could also be demonstrated that target cell destruction was not mediated by monocytes or B lymphocytes. These in vitro studies suggest that SSPE patients do not have a specific defect of cellular immunity against measles virus.

Measles mortality. Analysis of the primary cause of death.

Abstract: Four hundred fifty-four death certificates showing measles as the cause of death were analyzed. These represented 35.4% of the recorded deaths due to measles from 1964 through 1971. Respiratory or neurologic complications of measles or both were noted as the primary cause of death on nearly 90% of the certificates reviewed. In younger children, death was most frequently attributed to respiratory problems, while encephalitis and other neurologic sequelae of measles accounted for a larger percentage of deaths in the 10- to 14-year-olds. Nearly 17% of the persons who died had some underlying disease at the time of death, the percentage increasing with age. The majority of this group were physically or mentally retarded, or both.

Measles pneumonia. Bacterial suprainfection as a complicating factor.

Abstract: During a 3 1/2-month period, 32 previously healthy young men were first seen with typical prodromal symptoms and signs of measles. On admission or within 48 hours of admission, 16 patients (50%) manifested physical signs and roentgenographic evidence of pneumonia. Of these 16 patients, ten (63%) were found to have bacterial suprainfection or colonization confirmed by culture of transtracheal aspirates. From six of these ten patients,Neisseria meningitidisserogroup Y was isolated as the sole organism responsible for suprainfection. In the other four patients,Haemophilusspecies,Neisseriaspecies (notN gonorrheaeorN meningitidis),Streptococcus pneumoniae, and β-hemolyticStreptococcus(not group A or D) were isolated alone or in combination. The data suggest that bacterial suprainfection associated with measles pneumonia is not unusual in adults andN meningitidisserogroup Y is a potential pathogen of the lower respiratory tract. (JAMA232:363-365, 1975)

Pneumonia associated with measles.

Abstract: Thirty-three children were hospitalized for pneumonia associated with measles. Eight did not have rash but had serologic evidence of measles infection and an otherwise compatible clinical picture. Lung puncture and tracheal aspirations were performed on 21 of the patients. Mortality was 15.2% (five patients) and was not associated with the use of these procedures. ( JAMA 234:612-614, 1975)

Antibody-mediated cytotoxicity after measles virus infection.

Abstract: Antibody cytotoxicity in the presence of complement to measles virus-infected cells was determined in sera of individuals at various stages of measles virus infection. A measles virus carrier cell line, which possessed viral antigens on the cell membrane, was employed as target cells. The cytotoxic effect was measured by 51 Cr release from the measles virus-infected cells. A microtiter method was used to determine the titer of antibody cytotoxicity. Cytotoxic antibodies could be detected in serum specimens from individuals after natural measles virus infection and vaccination. Sera from subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) patients had only slightly higher titers than were found in sera obtained from individuals 1 week to 3 months after measles virus infection. Titers were much lower in sera from individuals more than 1 year after measles virus infection. Sera from children inoculated with measles virus vaccine lost their ability to react in hemagglutination inhibition, neutralization (NT) and cytotoxicity (CT) tests after absorption with the hemagglutinin from measles virus. SSPE sera treated in a similar manner retained their activity in NT and CT tests. Cytotoxic antibody was, therefore, shown to be directed against the hemagglutinin and some other antigen of measles virus.

Clinical evaluation of a new measles-mumps-rubella trivalent vaccine.

Abstract: • In a series of clinical studies of a combined measles (Schwarz strain), mumps (Jeryl Lynn strain), and rubella (Cendehill strain) vaccine, 1,481 children received the vaccine or a placebo. The vaccine did not cause any significant reactions. The frequencies of mild, transient fever or rash or both in triple-susceptible vaccinees were similar to those that follow use of Schwarz strain measles vaccine alone. Measles, mumps, and rubella seroconversion rates in triple-susceptible vaccinees ranged from 95% to 100%. Geometric mean antibody titers were as high as those that usually result from use of these same virus strains as monovalent vaccines. ( Am J Dis Child 129:1408-1412, 1975)

Antibody status to poliomyelitis, measles, rubella, diphtheria and tetanus, Ontario, 1969-70: deficiencies discovered and remedies required

Abstract: A serologic survey was made in 15 health unit areas, testing some 5000 individuals in the age groups 4 to 6, 11 to 13, 15 to 17 and 23 to 45 years. Two types of serious deficiency were found. Only 65% of children 4 to 6 years old had antibodies to all three types of poliovirus, the antibodies being due almost entirely to immunization with Salk vaccine. Even in children who had had six or more doses only 74% had antibodies to the three types. The high percentage of students 11 to 13 and 15 to 17 years old with poliovirus antibodies can be attributed largely to natural infection and to Sabin vaccine in the mass campaign of 1962, as well as to Salk vaccine. In children who had received Sabin vaccine as well as Salk vaccine a very high level of immunity was found. The immunity of the school-age population will decline to an insufficient level unless Sabin vaccine is used after immunization with Salk vaccine. Of children 4 to 6 years old 18% had no diphtheria antitoxin and 6% had no tetanus antitoxin. Even in those who had had six or more doses of the antigens 5% had no diphtheria antitoxin and 1 to 2% had no tetanus antitoxin. This apparently refractory state is probably due to the use of unadsorbed toxoids, and it is clear that adsorbed toxoids should be used. In the adults, diphtheria antitoxin was found in only 55% and tetanus antitoxin in only 38%.

Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis.

Abstract: Recent electronmicroscopic and immunologic studies in subacute sclerosing panencephalitis suggest that the disease represents either a chronic but active infectious measles encephalitis or an immune response to the protracted presence of measles virus in cerebral tissue. Usually, it is inexorably progressive to death. By contrast, in a well documented case followed for over five years since onset of symptoms, striking improvement has been noted during the past three years with no treatment. Antibody titers to measles virus were markedly elevated in the serum in 1963 and remained elevated in serum and cerebrospinal fluid in late 1967, despite the clinical remission. Attempts to transmit the disease to animals were unsuccessful. The pronounced and prolonged elevation of antimeasles antibodies suggests a possible etiologic relation between the virus and this patient's illness and is of special interest in the light of the occurrence of slow-virus infections in the nervous systems of animals and poss...

Antibody levels to parainfluenza, rubella, measles, and influenza A virus in children with polymyositis.

Abstract: The CF and HI antibody titers to rubella and measles viruses, the CF titers to influenxa A, and the HI titers to parainfluenza 1, 2, and 3 were carried out on the sera of 20 patients with childhood polymyositis and their matched controls. The titers for measles, parainfluenxa 1, and influenza A were slightly higher for patients than for controls. The control group had antibody titers to rubella and parainfluenza 2 and 3 higher than or similar to those of patients. Strong patterns or significant differences for a given virus or virus group were not encountered.

Clinical evaluation of a new measles-mumps-rubella combined live virus vaccine in the Dominican Republic.

Abstract: Over 900 children were enrolled in a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical study of measles (Schwarz strain), mumps (Jeryl Lynn strain), and rubella (Cendehill strain) trivalent vaccine. The trivalent vaccine caused about the same degree of reactivity as is generally associated with the Schwarz strain measles vaccine. Paired sera from triplesusceptible vaccinees had seroconversion rates of 99% for measles, 94% for mumps, and 93% for rubella. The results of this study show that this trivalent vaccine is as well tolerated and as effective as its component vaccines.

Molecular pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus.

Abstract: The study of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus revealed the close association of the disease with measles—or a related virus. High titres of antibodies to measles virus were found in patients that correlated with the course of the disease. Immunofluorescence tests revealed measles virus or a related antigen in lupus-affected tissues. Inclusion bodies consisting of paramyxovirus-like ribonucleoprotein structures were regularly detected in both affected tissues and leukocytes. Molecular hybridization of measles virus RNA with DNA from the affected tissues showed that DNA transcripts of measles or a closely related virus are integrated in the cellular nuclear DNA. Possible pathogenetic mechanisms of the disease are discussed.

A minimum age for measles vaccine administration to coloured children.

Abstract: The antibody response to further-attenuated live virus measles vaccine was assessed in 67 Coloured children between the ages of 6 and 12 months. Children less than 9 months of age were found to have suboptimal seroconversion rates and it is recommended that the routine administration of measles vaccine should be restricted to children over the age of 8 months. High-risk groups and problems of vaccine administration and storage are discussed.

Analysis of a measles epidemic; possible role of vaccine failures

Abstract: A measles epidemic occurred in the Greensville (Ont.) Unit schools during January and February 1975. There were 47 cases of measles in 403 students: 26 (55%) of the children had a history of being vaccinated and 18 (38%) had not been vaccinated. Among children known to have been vaccinated at less than 1 year of age 7 of 13 contracted measles, while among the 48 children who had not been vaccinated 18 contracted measles. The attack rate among vaccinees increased with increasing time since vaccination. The observations of this study as well as those of similar studies suggest that vaccine failures contributed to the genesis of the epidemic. It is recommended that all children initially vaccinated at less than 1 year of age should be revaccinated with live attenuated measles virus vaccine.

A study of immunoglobulin M antibody to measles, canine distemper, and rinderpest viruses in sera of patients with subacute sclerosing panencephalitis.

Abstract: Seven boys were studied who had the clinical features of subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) and whose brain histology was consistent with SSPE. Measles antigen was detected in the 7 brains by the direct fluorescent antibody method. Three out of the 7 boys had in their sera measles specific immunoglobulin M (IgM) which was detected by the indirect fluorescent antibody method and in 2 of these sera a prozone effect was noted. Two of the boys who had high titres of measles specific IgM also had serum IgM which reacted with canine distemper virus antigen, but the titres were 8 fold lower. None of the boys had detectable rinderpest specific IgM in their sera.