Genotyping
Molecular epidemiology has been used to complement and extend
traditional epidemiological methods of measles contact tracing.
Molecular epidemiological evidence generated at VIDRL has been
used to determine the source of measles virus importation in recent
Victorian outbreaks.
click here for reference
VIDRL also provides molecular surveillance to other Australian
states to assist identification of sources of measles virus importation.
click here for reference (ref 10)
VIDRL has identified and described 3 new measles genotypes imported
into Australia and causing outbreaks here.
(see Chibo et al 2000, 2002 & 2003 in the Publications section).
Testing by PCR at VIDRL of specimens collected from serologically
confirmed measles cases has shown that the virus can be detected
in the upper respiratory tract in approximately 70% of cases for
at least 2 weeks after onset of rash (see diagram).
click
here for reference (ref 50)
% of measles IgM positive specimens with positive PCR result
click diagram to view full size version
