Measles elimination in Italy: data from laboratory activity, 2011-2013

Abstract

Background: The European Regional Office of the World Health Organization developed a strategic approach to halt the indigenous transmission of measles in its 53 Member States by 2015, World Health Organization [1]. Many European countries, including Italy began the implementation of national programs to reach this goal.

Objectives: To describe and discuss the results of laboratory activity in measles surveillance, performed from January 2011 to December 2013 by the Italian National Reference Laboratory for Measles and Rubella.

Study design: Samples of suspected measles cases were collected from different Italian regions to confirm clinical diagnosis. Anti-measles IgM antibodies detection by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay and/or molecular detection by Reverse Transcriptase-Polymerase Chain Reaction assay were performed. Positive samples were sequenced for viral characterization.

Results and conclusions: According to results from the National Reference Laboratory's activity urine and blood seem to be the best specimens for measles laboratory surveillance. Phylogenetic analysis revealed a co-circulation of the genotypes D4 and D8 during the reviewed period, a cluster of B3 and sporadic cases of D9 and H1.

Keywords: Laboratory diagnosis; Laboratory surveillance; Measles; Measles elimination.