Measles (Morbilli virus) IgG

• The material for testing is blood.
• The patient does not need to fast.

Measles antibody testing is a reliable marker for detecting measles virus infection. The presence of IgM antibodies indicates a recent infection with the virus, while IgG antibodies are found in patients who have had measles and after vaccination.

The measles virus causes an acute, febrile illness that occurs primarily in childhood and is highly contagious. Measles is now becoming less common due to the use of vaccines.

People infected with measles virus exhibit a wide range of clinical symptoms, ranging from a mild, self-limiting infection to death. Measles virus infections are characterized by an incubation period of up to 10 days and flu-like symptoms with fever, malaise, upper respiratory tract infection, cough, congestion, and conjunctivitis. Shortly thereafter, a typical rash appears, first around the ears, then on the forehead and face, and then on the rest of the body. Measles infection can lead to complications such as secondary bacterial pneumonia, otitis media (approximately 1%), encephalitis (approximately 1%), myocarditis, miscarriages, and a condition called subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE). Furthermore, persistent infection of the ear canal is a factor in the etiology of otosclerosis. SSPE is a progressive, usually fatal brain injury caused by chronic measles virus infection. It appears 7 to 10 years after infection and leads to death within 3 years of the onset of symptoms. Patients experience behavioral changes, cognitive decline, and vision problems. Advanced neurological symptoms may also develop, such as severe spasms and, ultimately, severe physical and mental weakness leading to death. Antibodies against the measles virus are present in the serum of almost all patients during and after infection. IgM antibodies appear immediately after the onset of symptoms, and their presence can be confirmed by ELISA or indirect immunofluorescence testing (IIFT). In 50% of patients, IgM antibodies appear within three days, and in over 90% within 10 days – after the appearance of the rash. The anti-measles virus ELISA (IgM) test is a faster and more sensitive test in diagnosing measles – compared to other available tests. Anti-measles virus IgG and IgM antibodies are a reliable marker for detecting measles virus infection.
Due to the serious complications that can occur after measles, vaccination is recommended. It is a mandatory (free) vaccination administered in Poland at ages 13-14 months and 10 years. Vaccination efficacy after two doses is 98% and lasts for life. Neutralizing activity develops after vaccination. and the persistence of antibodies, usually lifelong.

Serum antibody levels in individuals vaccinated against the measles virus are 8 to 10 times lower than in individuals who have had measles. Passive immunization, containing specific, concentrated immunoglobulins, is typically administered to seronegative individuals with weakened immune systems (patients undergoing cancer treatment or post-transplantation) as well as to seronegative pregnant women who have been exposed to the virus.

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