Measles virus antibodies - serum or CSF
Last updated: Friday, 07, September, 2007
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| Item | Process |
|---|---|
| Specimen | 5-10 mL blood in plain tube. 2 mL CSF in plain tube. |
| Method | HAI, EIA. |
| Application | Serum: Investigation of suspected measles when diagnosis is uncertain. CSF: Investigation of suspected SSPE. |
| Interpretation | Raised IgG titre is consistent with previous infection or vaccination. A four-fold rise in titre between acute and convalescent sera is diagnostic of recent infection with measles virus, as is positive IgM. IgM may be negative during the first 3 days of the rash. It remains positive for 4-6 weeks. An increasing IgG titre is not usually apparent until 14 days. In SSPE, measles virus antibodies (IgG) are detected in the CSF. |
| Reference | Bellini WJ and Icenogle JP. In: Murray PR et al eds. Manual of Clinical Microbiology. 8th ed. ASM Press 2003. |