Genetic characterization and progression of B3 measles genotype in Ethiopia: a study of five measles outbreak cases.
BACKGROUND
One of the countries where measles remains endemic is Ethiopia. Previously, sequence data from Measles Viruses (MV) circulating in Ethiopia were obtained from clinical specimens. Now the Ethiopian Health and Nutrition Research Institute (ENHRI) has implemented cell culture techniques to isolate measles virus and molecular epidemiologic studies can be generated more easily.


OBJECTIVE
To characterize the strains of Measles Virus circulating in Ethiopia during measles outbreaks in 2006 using viral isolates, and compare the results to previously identified Ethiopian strains.


METHODS
A case study and convenience sampling method were conducted on five measles outbreak cases tb identify the circulating measles virus genotype in Addis Ababa and Amhara regions of Ethiopia in 2006.


RESULTS
Three isolates were obtained from five specimens collected in two regions (1 from Amhara: Bahir Dar, and 2 from Addis Ababa: Addis Ketema and Kolefe Keranio subcities) in Ethiopia during 2006. The viral isolates were analyzed using standard genotyping protocols and were classified as genotype B3, identical to the strain circulating widely in West Africa and imported into Europe (Britain, Netherlands, Germany) and America (Mexico, USA, Canada).


CONCLUSIONS
The conserved sequences among three isolates, covering a 3-month period, suggest that this B3 strain was circulating in Addis Ababa, Bahir Dar and possibly elsewhere in Ethiopia. To interrupt the transmission and circulation of MV, Ethiopia needs a strong national program of epidemiological surveillance, with characterization of circulating MV performed in a timely manner.
Lemma
Eshetu
E
Ethiopian National Polio and Measles Laboratory, Ethiopian Health and Nutrition Research Institute (EHNRI), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Smit
Sheilagh B
SB
Beyene
Berhane
B
Nigatu
Wondatir
W
Babaniyi
Olusegun A
OA
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004196:Disease Outbreaks; D005002:Ethiopia / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D005838:Genotype; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008457:Measles / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000635:transmission / Q000821:virology*; D008459:Measles virus / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification*