Use of RT–PCR on oral fluid samples to assist the identification of measles cases during an outbreak

Abstract

This study investigated the occurrence of mild modified measles cases during an outbreak in Niterói, RJ, Brazil by using RT–PCR on oral fluid samples. From August to December 1997 a total of 76 patients with rash were seen at the study sites. Confirmed diagnosis by serology was achieved in 47 cases: measles (39·5%), rubella (13·2%), HHV-6 (3·9%), human parvovirus B19 (3·9%), dengue fever (3%). For 19 of the 29 patients without a conclusive diagnosis paired serum and saliva samples were available for further tests. In four of them, measles virus RNA was detected by RT–PCR in saliva samples in the absence of specific IgM in serum samples. Vaccination histories obtained from three of the RT–PCR positive cases showed that individuals previously immunized can still be infected and contribute to the circulation of measles virus. This study demonstrated the usefulness of RT–PCR on non-invasive clinical samples for the investigation of measles cases.