Measles virus IgG

Measles is an acute infectious disease caused by a virus of the paramyxovirus family. The main feature of the disease is its extremely high contagiousness, i.e. infectiousness. The disease is transmitted by airborne droplets. It is important to remember that measles is considered one of the main causes of death in young children worldwide. 

Clinically, the disease is manifested by fever up to 40.50 C, inflammation of the mucous membranes of the oral cavity, upper respiratory tract and conjunctiva of the eyes. A characteristic patchy-papular rash appears on the skin. 

Antibodies of class IgG to measles virus are detected in the body during the period of recovery, therefore, the detection of IgG at the end of the acute period of the disease is a favorable prognostic sign. After the disease, it is possible to detect antibodies in the blood for 10 years. 

The purpose of vaccination against measles virus is to develop immunity against the pathogen, which is achieved through the production of IgG, which destroy the virus. Based on the “lifespan” of these antibodies, immunity functions for 10 years, then re-vaccination is required. According to their presence, it is possible to judge about the body's protection against measles, which is much more severe in older people than in children. 

In adult patients, the disease is complicated by measles pneumonia (inflammation of the lungs) and bacterial infection. Therefore, another purpose of prescribing the test is to decide whether it is necessary to repeat the vaccination. 

Read more: “Undefeated measles virus”, “Measles, a pediatric infection with formidable complications” 40.00.590