26577 Measles (Rubeola) Ab, IgM and IgG (ROGM)

Measles Virus

Rubeola (Measles) Ab, IgG, IgM, S

Rubeola Antibodies, IgG and IgM (Separate Determinations), Serum

Rubeola Antibody​

​Measles (Rubeola) Ab, IgM

Measles (Rubeola) Ab, IgG

Measles IgG Antibody Index

Diagnosing measles virus infection

Determination of immune status of individuals to the measles virus using IgG antibody testing

Documentation of previous infection with measles virus in an individual without a previous record of immunization to measles virus

​Centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial.​

Gross hemolysis

Gross lipemia

Heat-inactivated specimen

A serum specimen collected during the acute phase of infection or soon after vaccination may yield negative for IgM- or IgG-class antibodies.

Rare heterotypic IgM responses to measles virus have been reported in patients with rubella virus, chronic active hepatitis, systemic lupus, and infectious mononucleosis.(6)

IgG-class antibodies to measles virus may be present in serum specimens from individuals who have received blood products within the past several months, but who have not been immunized or have experienced past infection with this virus.

The measles virus is a member of the Paramyxoviridae family of viruses, which include parainfluenza virus serotypes 1-4, mumps, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and metapneumovirus. The measles virus is one of the most highly contagious infectious diseases among unvaccinated individuals and is transmitted through direct contact with aerosolized droplets or other respiratory secretions from infected individuals. Measles has an incubation period of approximately 8 to 12 days, which is followed by a prodromal phase of high fever, cough, coryza, conjunctivitis, and malaise. Koplik spots may also be apparent on the buccal mucosa and can last for 12 to 72 hours.(1,2) Following this phase, a maculopapular, erythematous rash develops beginning behind the ears and on the forehead and spreading centrifugally to involve the trunk and extremities.

Immunocompromised individuals, pregnant women, and those with nutritional deficiencies, are particularly at risk for serious complications following measles infection, which include pneumonia and central nervous system involvement.(1,3)

Following implementation of the national measles vaccination program in 1963, the incidence of measles infection has fallen to below 0.5 cases per 1,000,000 population and the virus is no longer considered endemic in the United States.(4) Measles outbreaks continue to occur in the United States, however, due to exposure of nonimmune individuals or those with waning immunity to infected travelers. The measles outbreak in 2011 throughout Western Europe emphasizes the persistence of the virus in the worldwide population and the continued need for national vaccination programs.(5)

The diagnosis of measles infection is often based on clinical presentation alone. The presence of IgM-class antibodies suggests recent infection but should not be used alone to diagnose measles infection. Screening for IgG-class antibodies to measles virus aids in identifying nonimmune individuals.

IMMUNOGLOBULIN M

Negative

Reference values apply to all ages.

 
IMMUNOGLOBULIN G

Vaccinated: positive (> or =1.1 AI)

Unvaccinated: negative (< or =0.8 AI)

Reference values apply to all ages.

This assay tests for both IgM and IgG-class antibodies. The presence of IgM-class antibodies, with or without the presence of IgG-class antibodies, to measles virus may support a clinical diagnosis of recent/acute phase infection with the virus. IgM results alone should not be used to diagnose measles virus infection.

The absence of IgM-class antibodies suggests lack of an acute phase infection with measles virus. However, serology may be negative for IgM-class antibodies in early disease, and results should be interpreted in the context of clinical findings.

Testing for IgM-class antibodies to measles should be limited to patients with clinically compatible disease.

The presence of detectable IgG-class antibodies, in the absence of IgM-class antibodies, indicates prior exposure to the measles virus through infection or immunization. These individuals are considered immune to measles infection.

The absence of detectable IgG-class antibodies suggests the lack of a specific immune response to immunization or no prior exposure to the measles virus. These individuals are considered nonimmune to measles virus infection.