Measles virus, IgG antibodies

Why this test?

• In order to make sure of the presence of anti-measles immunity obtained as a result of the transferred disease or vaccination.
• To confirm the diagnosis of active or transferred disease, especially if there are no symptoms typical of measles.
• To find out what causes such infectious diseases as encephalitis, bronchitis or pneumonia - bacterial infections or complications of measles.

In what cases is it prescribed?

With symptoms indicating current or past measles disease. They develop 7-18 days after infection.

When assessing the immunity to measles of people who have had the disease or who have been vaccinated against it.

Test information

The causative agent of measles belongs to the family of paramyxoviruses, which cause measles in children and have not affected adults.

Measles is an extremely contagious disease and is transmitted by airborne droplets. The virus mainly affects the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract and the back wall of the pharynx. Causes high fever, dry cough, red eyes, sensitivity to light, runny nose, sore throat, tiny white spots on the mucous membrane of the mouth, and a rash that usually starts on the face and spreads down the body, moving to the trunk and legs. 

Most people recover within a few weeks, but about 20% develop complications: ear infections, bronchitis, pneumonia, diarrhea, encephalitis, blindness. Those who have been ill with measles develop permanent immunity for life.

The risk of getting sick is higher in people with a pathology of the immune system or with a deficiency of vitamin A, as well as in those who have a poor diet.

For pregnant women, measles is dangerous for miscarriage or premature birth.

In response to measles virus infection, the body produces two types of specific immunoglobulins: IgM and IgG. IgM is produced first. Their level increases to a maximum within a few days, and then begins to gradually decrease over the following weeks. The production of IgG begins a little later, 2-4 weeks after infection, but their concentration persists for several decades, providing protection against re-infection. They are also found after vaccination, so they can serve as an indicator of immunity to the measles virus. Antibodies of the IgG class, received through the placenta from the mother, are detected in the blood of some newborns up to 6-7 months of age.