Global distribution of measles and rubella genotypes - update

Overview

The WHO measles and rubella laboratory network was established to provide a standardized testing and reporting structure and a global quality assurance programme. The network has expanded to include 678 laboratories in 164 countries; all laboratories confirm measles and rubella cases using immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibody testing.

To facilitate virological surveillance, the network has standardized the nomenclature and laboratory procedures that are used to describe the genetic characteristics of wild-type measles and rubella viruses, and these protocols are included in all WHO-sponsored laboratory training courses. Standardization has allowed virological surveillance data to be shared among laboratories and has permitted efficient communication of these data throughout measles and rubella control programmes. WHO recognizes 23 genotypes of measles virus and 10 genotypes of rubella (of which 3 are provisional and represented by lower case letters, eg. Ig).