Nomenclature for describing the genetic characteristics of wild-type measles viruses (update)

Abstract

Two areas of current research have the potential to improve the quality of virological surveillance of measles. A new highly sensitive cell line that does not secrete Epstein Barr virus is being tested as a replacement for B95a cells. Also, alternative protocols that simplify the logistics of specimen collection, such as dried blood spots, are being evaluated. A list of literature references about measles molecular epidemiology is available from WHO upon request. Periodic updates about the genetic characteristics of currently circulating strains and new genotypes will be published in the WHO Measles Bulletin and will be available via the Internet from the WHO strain bank at CDC.