Abstract
A reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction assay was used to detect measles virus RNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells, urine, and nasopharyngeal specimens from Zambian children during hospitalization and ∼1-2 months after discharge. Of 47 children, 29 (61.7%) had prolonged measles virus shedding, as defined by detection of measles virus RNA in ≤ 1 specimen obtained 30-61 days after rash onset. Ten (90.9%) of 11 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected children had prolonged measles virus shedding, compared with 19 (52.8%) of 36 HIV-uninfected children (P = .02). Prolonged measles virus shedding did not correlate with levels of measles virus-specific antibody. HIV-infected children with measles may have a prolonged infectious period that potentially enhances measles virus transmission and hinders measles control.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 532-538 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | Journal of Infectious Diseases |
Volume | 183 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Feb 15 2001 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Medicine