Vaccination News Home Page                                            subscribe Vaccination NewsLetter

http://www.elsevier.com/cdweb/views/article.htt?jnl=01681702&iss=2&vol=91&pii=S016817020200273

Virus Research

Volume 91, Issue 2, pp. 213 - 221, February, 2003

Studies of measles viruses circulating in Australia between 1999 and 2001 reveals a new genotype

Authors

D. Chibo, M. Riddell, M. Catton, M. Lyon, G. Lum, C. Birch

Abstract

Nineteen distinct measles virus (MV) strains associated with nine different genotypes were identified in five Australian states (Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, Northern Territory and Western Australia) between 1999 and 2001. One of the strains identified is likely to represent a new genotype within the clade D viruses (proposed to be d9). No evidence for an indigenous MV strain was found. When epidemiologic information associated with the index case was available for the outbreaks, it usually supported introduction of the virus from overseas, with the main source being South East Asia. Changes in the circulation of MV in Australia since the early 1970s were also observed. Prior to the introduction of measles vaccine, the majority of the population acquired immunity through infection with wild-type virus in early childhood. Nowadays in Australia, young adults are at most risk of infection. The age range of cases in the study period was from 1 month to 48 years, with the majority (59%) of cases from individuals aged 18-30 years.

Keywords: Measles virus, Molecular surveillance, Australia, Genotype d9

PII: s0168170202002733

© Copyright 1999-2003, Elsevier Science, All rights reserved.

 

Vaccination News Home Page

ALL INFORMATION, DATA, AND MATERIAL CONTAINED, PRESENTED, OR PROVIDED HERE IS FOR GENERAL INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED AS REFLECTING THE KNOWLEDGE OR OPINIONS OF THE PUBLISHER, AND IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED OR INTENDED AS PROVIDING MEDICAL OR LEGAL ADVICE.  THE DECISION WHETHER OR NOT TO VACCINATE IS AN IMPORTANT AND COMPLEX ISSUE AND SHOULD BE MADE BY YOU, AND YOU ALONE, IN CONSULTATION WITH YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER.