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Yan Zhang,
Zhen Zhu,
Paul A Rota,
Xiaohong Jiang,
Jiayu Hu,
Jianguo Wang,
Wei Tang,
Zhenying Zhang,
Congyong Li,
Changyin Wang, [......],
Xiuhui Yang,
Yujie Ma,
Yong Liang,
Yeqiang Li,
Yixin Ji, David Featherstone,
William J Bellini,
Songtao Xu,
Guodong Liang,
Wenbo Xu
[show abstract]
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ABSTRACT: This report describes the genetic characterization of 297 wild-type measles viruses that were isolated in 24 provinces of
China between 1995 and 2003. Phylogenetic analysis of the N gene sequences showed that all of the isolates belonged to genotype
H1 except 3 isolates, which were genotype A. The nucleotide sequence and predicted amino acid homologies of the 294-genotype
H1 strains were 94.7%–100% and 93.3%–100%, respectively. The genotype H1 isolates were divided into 2 clusters, which differed
by approximately 2.9% at the nucleotide level. Viruses from both clusters were distributed throughout China with no apparent
geographic restriction and multiple co-circulating lineages were present in many provinces. Even though other measles genotypes
have been detected in countries that border China, this report shows that genotype H1 is widely distributed throughout the
country and that China has a single, endemic genotype. This important baseline data will help to monitor the progress of measles
control in China.
Virology Journal 04/2012; 4(1):1-9. · 2.34 Impact Factor
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Yan Zhang,
Songtao Xu,
Huiling Wang,
Zhen Zhu,
Yixin Ji,
Chunyu Liu,
Xiaojie Zhang,
Liwei Sun,
Jianhui Zhou,
Peishan Lu, [......],
Shengwei Wu,
Shunde Zhou,
Fangcai Li,
Zhengrong Ding,
Zhaohui Yang,
Paul A Rota, David Featherstone,
Youngmee Jee,
William J Bellini,
Wenbo Xu
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: The incidence of measles in China from 1991 to 2008 was reviewed, and the nucleotide sequences from 1507 measles viruses (MeV) isolated during 1993 to 2008 were phylogenetically analyzed. The results showed that measles epidemics peaked approximately every 3 to 5 years with the range of measles cases detected between 56,850 and 140,048 per year. The Chinese MeV strains represented three genotypes; 1501 H1, 1 H2 and 5 A. Genotype H1 was the predominant genotype throughout China continuously circulating for at least 16 years. Genotype H1 sequences could be divided into two distinct clusters, H1a and H1b. A 4.2% average nucleotide divergence was found between the H1a and H1b clusters, and the nucleotide sequence and predicted amino acid homologies of H1a viruses were 92.3%-100% and 84.7%-100%, H1b were 97.1%-100% and 95.3%-100%, respectively. Viruses from both clusters were distributed throughout China with no apparent geographic restriction and multiple co-circulating lineages were present in many provinces. Cluster H1a and H1b viruses were co-circulating during 1993 to 2005, while no H1b viruses were detected after 2005 and the transmission of that cluster has presumably been interrupted. Analysis of the nucleotide and predicted amino acid changes in the N proteins of H1a and H1b viruses showed no evidence of selective pressure. This study investigated the genotype and cluster distribution of MeV in China over a 16-year period to establish a genetic baseline before MeV elimination in Western Pacific Region (WPR). Continuous and extensive MeV surveillance and the ability to quickly identify imported cases of measles will become more critical as measles elimination goals are achieved in China in the near future. This is the first report that a single endemic genotype of measles virus has been found to be continuously circulating in one country for at least 16 years.
PLoS ONE 01/2012; 7(4):e34401. · 4.09 Impact Factor
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[show abstract]
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ABSTRACT: Measles virus will continue to exist after certification of global eradication as virus stocks and infectious materials held in laboratories, in persistently and chronically infected individuals, and possibly in undetected foci of transmission. A literature search was undertaken to identify and evaluate the main risks for reintroduction of measles transmission in the absence of universal measles immunization.
A qualitative risk assessment was conducted following a series of literature searches using the PubMed database.
If the criteria for global certification of eradication are stringent and require rigorous validation, then the risk of undetected measles transmission after certification is very low. Risk of unintentional reintroduction from any source, including persistent infections and laboratory materials is low to very low but depends on the extent of measles vaccine use. If immunization levels decrease, measles will become a credible agent for bioterrorism through intentional release.
Posteradication risks are low and should not deter any attempt at measles eradication. More information on measles transmission dynamics and the role of atypical infections is required to determine requirements for global certification of eradication. Posteradication risks would be minimized through development and implementation of an international risk management strategy, including requirements for a posteradication vaccine stockpile.
The Journal of Infectious Diseases 07/2011; 204 Suppl 1:S71-7. · 6.41 Impact Factor
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The Journal of Infectious Diseases 07/2011; 204 Suppl 1:S1-3. · 6.41 Impact Factor
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Emily S Abernathy,
Judith M Hübschen,
Claude P Muller,
Li Jin,
David Brown,
Katsuhiro Komase,
Yoshio Mori,
Wenbo Xu,
Zhen Zhu,
Marilda M Siqueira, [......],
Wilina W L Lim,
Gibson K S Woo,
Hinda Triki,
Youngmee Jee,
Mick N Mulders,
Ana Maria Bispo de Filippis,
Hinda Ahmed,
Nalini Ramamurty, David Featherstone,
Joseph P Icenogle
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ABSTRACT: The suspected measles case definition captures rubella cases. Therefore, measles surveillance will be improved in the course of the control and eventual elimination of rubella transmission. One aspect of rubella control, virologic surveillance, is reviewed here. A systematic nomenclature for rubella viruses (RVs) based on 13 genotypes has been established and is updated when warranted by increases in information about RVs. From 2005 through 2010, the genotypes of RVs most frequently reported were 1E, 1G, and 2B, and genotypes 1a, 1B, 1C, 1h, 1j, and 2C were less frequently reported. Virologic surveillance can support rubella control and elimination. Synopses of rubella virologic surveillance in various countries, regions, and globally are given, including characterization of viruses from imported cases in a country that has eliminated rubella and studies of endemic viruses circulating in countries without rubella control objectives. Current challenges are discussed.
The Journal of Infectious Diseases 07/2011; 204 Suppl 1:S524-32. · 6.41 Impact Factor
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Paul A Rota,
Kevin Brown,
Annette Mankertz,
Sabine Santibanez,
Sergey Shulga,
Claude P Muller,
Judith M Hübschen,
Marilda Siqueira,
Jennifer Beirnes,
Hinda Ahmed, [......],
Wenbo Xu,
Katsuhiro Komase,
Makoto Takeda,
Thomas Tran,
Carlos Castillo-Solorzano,
Paul Chenoweth,
David Brown,
Mick N Mulders,
William J Bellini, David Featherstone
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ABSTRACT: A critical component of laboratory surveillance for measles is the genetic characterization of circulating wild-type viruses. The World Health Organization (WHO) Measles and Rubella Laboratory Network (LabNet), provides for standardized testing in 183 countries and supports genetic characterization of currently circulating strains of measles viruses. The goal of this report is to describe the lessons learned from nearly 20 years of virologic surveillance for measles, to describe the global databases for measles sequences, and to provide regional updates about measles genotypes detected by recent surveillance activities. Virologic surveillance for measles is now well established in all of the WHO regions, and most countries have conducted at least some baseline surveillance. The WHO Global Genotype Database contains >7000 genotype reports, and the Measles Nucleotide Surveillance (MeaNS) contains >4000 entries. This sequence information has proven to be extremely useful for tracking global transmission patterns and for documenting the interruption of transmission in some countries. The future challenges will be to develop quality control programs for molecular methods and to continue to expand virologic surveillance activities in all regions.
The Journal of Infectious Diseases 07/2011; 204 Suppl 1:S514-23. · 6.41 Impact Factor
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Paul A Rota,
Kevin E Brown,
Judith M Hübschen,
Claude P Muller,
Joseph Icenogle,
Min-Hsin Chen,
Bettina Bankamp,
Julia R Kessler,
David W Brown,
William J Bellini, David Featherstone
[show abstract]
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ABSTRACT: An important aspect of laboratory surveillance for measles and rubella is the genetic characterization of circulating wild-type viruses to support molecular epidemiologic studies and to track transmission pathways. Virologic surveillance that is sufficient to document the interruption of transmission of measles and rubella viruses will be an essential criterion for verification of elimination. Laboratories in the World Health Organization (WHO) Measles and Rubella Laboratory Network have worked to improve and expand virologic surveillance as many regions move toward elimination of measles and rubella/congenital rubella syndrome. As countries approach elimination, it will be necessary to obtain genetic information from as many chains of transmission as possible. In addition, baseline virologic surveillance, especially for rubella, needs to be improved in many countries. This report contains a summary of recent improvements to the methods used for virologic surveillance.
The Journal of Infectious Diseases 07/2011; 204 Suppl 1:S506-13. · 6.41 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: During 2001-2008, the Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory (VIDRL) prepared and provided a measles and rubella proficiency test panel for distribution to the World Health Organization (WHO) measles and rubella network laboratories as part of their annual laboratory accreditation assessment.
Panel test results were forwarded to VIDRL, and results from 8 consecutive years were analyzed. We assessed the type of assays used and results achieved on the basis of the positive and negative interpretation of submitted results, by year and WHO region, for measles and rubella.
Over time, there has been a noticeable increase in laboratory and WHO regional participation. For all panels, the proportion of laboratories in all WHO regions using the WHO-validated Dade Behring assay for measles and rubella-specific IgM antibodies ranged from 35% to 100% and 59% to 100%, respectively. For all regions and years, the proportion of laboratories obtaining a pass score ranged from 87% to 100% for measles and 93% to 100% for rubella.
During 2001-2008, a large proportion of laboratories worldwide achieved and maintained a pass score for both measles and rubella. Measles and rubella proficiency testing is regarded as a major achievement for the WHO measles and rubella laboratory program.
The Journal of Infectious Diseases 07/2011; 204 Suppl 1:S499-505. · 6.41 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: We evaluated performance of three commercial Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) IgM antibody capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (MAC ELISA) kits with a panel of serological specimens collected during a surveillance project of acute encephalitis syndrome in India and acute meningitis and encephalitis syndrome in Bangladesh. The serum and cerebral spinal fluid specimens had been referred to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for confirmatory testing. The CDC results and specimen classifications were considered the reference standard. All three commercial kits had high specificity (95-99.5%), but low sensitivities, ranging from 17-57%, with both serum and cerebrospinal fluid samples. Specific factors contributing to low sensitivity compared with the CDC ELISA could not be determined through further analysis of the limits and dilution end points of IgM detection.
The American journal of tropical medicine and hygiene 11/2010; 83(5):1146-55. · 2.59 Impact Factor
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Yan Zhang,
Zhengrong Ding,
Huiling Wang,
Liqun Li,
Yankun Pang,
Kevin E Brown,
Songtao Xu,
Zhen Zhu,
Paul A Rota, David Featherstone,
Wenbo Xu
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ABSTRACT: To determine the origin of the virus associated with a measles outbreak in Menglian County, Yunnan Province, People's Republic of China, in 2009, we conducted genetic analyses. Phylogenetic analyses based on nucleoprotein (N) and hemagglutinin (H) gene sequences showed that these Menglian viruses were not closely related to sequences of any World Health Organization (WHO) reference strains representing the 23 currently recognized genotypes. The minimum nucleotide divergence between the Menglian viruses and the most closely related reference strain, genotype D7, was 3.3% for the N gene and 3.0% for the H gene. A search of the databases of GenBank, WHO, and the Health Protection Agency Measles Nucleotide Surveillance showed that the Menglian viruses, together with the 2 older non-Menglian viruses, could be members of a new proposed measles genotype, d11. The new genotype designation will allow for better description of measles transmission patterns, especially in the Southeast Asian and Western Pacific regions.
Emerging Infectious Diseases 06/2010; 16(6):943-7. · 6.79 Impact Factor
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Yixin Ji,
Songtao Xu,
Yan Zhang,
Zhen Zhu,
Naiying Mao,
Xiaohong Jiang,
Chao Ma,
Peishan Lu,
Changyin Wang,
Yong Liang, [......],
Shuang Wang,
Zhenying Zhang,
Shengwei Wu,
Lijuan Nan,
Li Li,
Xiaofeng Liang, David Featherstone,
Paul Rota,
William Bellini,
Wenbo Xu
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ABSTRACT: Abstract
Molecular characterization of wild-type measles viruses in China during 1995-2004 demonstrated that genotype H1 was endemic and widely distributed throughout the country. H1-associated cases and outbreaks caused a resurgence of measles beginning in 2005. A total of 210,094 measles cases and 101 deaths were reported by National Notifiable Diseases Reporting System (NNDRS) and Chinese Measles Laboratory Network (LabNet) from 2006 to 2007, and the incidences of measles were 6.8/100,000 population and 7.2/100,000 population in 2006 and 2007, respectively. Five hundred and sixty-five wild-type measles viruses were isolated from 24 of 31 provinces in mainland China during 2006 and 2007, and all of the wild type virus isolates belonged to cluster 1 of genotype H1. These results indicated that H1-cluster 1 viruses were the predominant viruses circulating in China from 2006 to 2007. This study contributes to previous efforts to generate critical baseline data about circulating wild-type measles viruses in China that will allow molecular epidemiologic studies to help measure the progress made toward China's goal of measles elimination by 2012.
Virology Journal. 01/2010;
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ABSTRACT: Infection with Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) is a major public health problem in Asia. Detection of JEV-specific IgM in serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) by the IgM antibody capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (MAC-ELISA) is currently the most widely used diagnostic method to detect JEV infection. Because of the possible presence of IgM cross-reactivity with other flaviviruses in serum and the high ratio of inapparent-to-apparent JEV infections, a positive result in serum only suggests a recent infection and not necessarily an encephalitic illness caused by JEV. Consequently, detection of JEV-specific IgM in CSF assumes great diagnostic relevance. We evaluated two commercial JEV MAC-ELISA kits using 60 CSF samples obtained from patients with acute encephalitis syndrome. The Panbio and XCyton kits had sensitivities of 65-80% and 95% and specificities of 90% and 97.5%, respectively. Performance information on these commercial JEV MAC-ELISA kits for CSF should assist in laboratory-based JE surveillance programs.
The American journal of tropical medicine and hygiene 12/2009; 81(6):1144-50. · 2.59 Impact Factor
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Annals of emergency medicine 10/2009; 54(4):639-40; author reply 640. · 4.23 Impact Factor
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Yixin Ji,
Yan Zhang,
Songtao Xu,
Zhen Zhu,
Shuyan Zuo,
Xiaohong Jiang,
Peishan Lu,
Changyin Wang,
Yong Liang,
Huanying Zheng,
Yang Liu,
Naiying Mao,
Xiaofeng Liang, David Alexander Featherstone,
Paul A Rota,
William J Bellini,
Wenbo Xu
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[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Measles morbidity and mortality decreased significantly after measles vaccine was introduced into China in 1965. From 1995 to 2004, average annual measles incidence decreased to 5.6 cases per 100,000 population following the establishment of a national two-dose regimen. Molecular characterization of wild-type measles viruses demonstrated that genotype H1 was endemic and widely distributed throughout the country in China during 1995-2004. A total of 124,865 cases and 55 deaths were reported from the National Notifiable Diseases Reporting System (NNDRS) in 2005, which represented a 69.05% increase compared with 2004. Over 16,000 serum samples obtained from 914 measles outbreaks and the measles IgM positive rate was 81%. 213 wild-type measles viruses were isolated from 18 of 31 provinces in China during 2005, and all of the isolates belonged to genotype H1. The ranges of the nucleotide sequence and predicted amino acid sequence homologies of the 213 genotype H1 strains were 93.4%-100% and 90.0%-100%, respectively. H1-associated cases and outbreaks caused the measles resurgence in China in 2005. H1 genotype has the most inner variation within genotype, it could be divided into 2 clusters, and cluster 1 viruses were predominant in China throughout 2005.
Virology Journal 10/2009; 6:135. · 2.34 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Japanese encephalitis (JE) is the most important form of viral encephalitis in Asia. Surveillance for the disease in many countries has been limited. To improve collection of accurate surveillance data in order to increase understanding of the full impact of JE and monitor control programs, World Health Organization (WHO) Recommended Standards for JE Surveillance have been developed. To aid acceptance of the Standards, we describe the process of development, provide the supporting evidence, and explain the rationale for the recommendations made in the document.
A JE Core Working Group was formed in 2002 and worked on development of JE surveillance standards. A series of questions on specific topics was initially developed. A literature review was undertaken and the findings were discussed and documented. The group then prepared a draft document, with emphasis placed on the feasibility of implementation in Asian countries. A field test version of the Standards was published by WHO in January 2006. Feedback was then sought from countries that piloted the Standards and from public health professionals in forums and individual meetings to modify the Standards accordingly.
After revisions, a final version of the JE surveillance standards was published in August 2008. The supporting information is presented here together with explanations of the rationale and levels of evidence for specific recommendations.
Provision of the supporting evidence and rationale should help to facilitate successful implementation of the JE surveillance standards in JE-endemic countries which will in turn enable better understanding of disease burden and the impact of control programs.
BMC Infectious Diseases 01/2009; 9:214. · 3.12 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Measles is now rare in Australia, and cases can usually be linked to its importation from endemic countries. To prevent measles outbreaks in Australia, high vaccination coverage with two doses of vaccine must be sustained. All medical practitioners should consider a diagnosis of measles in a patient of any age who presents with fever and a non-vesiculating, non-itchy rash. If measles is suspected clinically, public health authorities should be immediately notified, so that testing and management of patients can be discussed and contact tracing initiated. When a patient is suspected of having measles, testing of a serum sample for measles-specific IgM and IgG antibodies should be requested urgently. Pathology laboratories should have effective protocols for immediately reporting positive measles-specific IgM antibody tests, or other results indicative of measles, to public health authorities.
The Medical journal of Australia 09/2007; 187(3):181-4. · 2.81 Impact Factor
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Yan Zhang,
Zhen Zhu,
Paul A Rota,
Xiaohong Jiang,
Jiayu Hu,
Jianguo Wang,
Wei Tang,
Zhenying Zhang,
Congyong Li,
Changyin Wang, [......],
Xiuhui Yang,
Yujie Ma,
Yong Liang,
Yeqiang Li,
Yixin Ji, David Featherstone,
William J Bellini,
Songtao Xu,
Guodong Liang,
Wenbo Xu
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: This report describes the genetic characterization of 297 wild-type measles viruses that were isolated in 24 provinces of China between 1995 and 2003. Phylogenetic analysis of the N gene sequences showed that all of the isolates belonged to genotype H1 except 3 isolates, which were genotype A. The nucleotide sequence and predicted amino acid homologies of the 294-genotype H1 strains were 94.7%-100% and 93.3%-100%, respectively. The genotype H1 isolates were divided into 2 clusters, which differed by approximately 2.9% at the nucleotide level. Viruses from both clusters were distributed throughout China with no apparent geographic restriction and multiple co-circulating lineages were present in many provinces. Even though other measles genotypes have been detected in countries that border China, this report shows that genotype H1 is widely distributed throughout the country and that China has a single, endemic genotype. This important baseline data will help to monitor the progress of measles control in China.
Virology Journal 02/2007; 4:14. · 2.34 Impact Factor
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Yan Zhang,
Zhen Zhu,
Paul Rota,
Xiaohong Jiang,
Jiayu Hu,
Jianguo Wang,
Wei Tang,
Zhenying Zhang,
Congyong Li,
Changyin Wang, [......],
Xiuhui Yang,
Yujie Ma,
Yong Liang,
Yeqiang Li,
Yixin Ji, David Featherstone,
William Bellini,
Songtao Xu,
Guodong Liang,
Wenbo Xu
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Abstract
This report describes the genetic characterization of 297 wild-type measles viruses that were isolated in 24 provinces of China between 1995 and 2003. Phylogenetic analysis of the N gene sequences showed that all of the isolates belonged to genotype H1 except 3 isolates, which were genotype A. The nucleotide sequence and predicted amino acid homologies of the 294-genotype H1 strains were 94.7%–100% and 93.3%–100%, respectively. The genotype H1 isolates were divided into 2 clusters, which differed by approximately 2.9% at the nucleotide level. Viruses from both clusters were distributed throughout China with no apparent geographic restriction and multiple co-circulating lineages were present in many provinces. Even though other measles genotypes have been detected in countries that border China, this report shows that genotype H1 is widely distributed throughout the country and that China has a single, endemic genotype. This important baseline data will help to monitor the progress of measles control in China.
Virology Journal. 01/2007;
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ABSTRACT: Six existing protocols for the extraction of serum from blood spots dried onto filter paper were compared. Assessment criteria included: detection of measles IgM and IgG by the Dade Behring Enzygnost immunoassays, volumes of recovered eluates, reproducibility, processing time and throughput, difficulty of protocol, equipment required, safety and estimated costs. Detection of measles IgM in eluates obtained by four of these protocols was as in serum, and significant differences were only observed in eluates from the two remaining protocols (p < 0.05). Significant differences were found between extraction protocols regarding measles-specific IgG detection when an IgG indeterminate DBS was analyzed (p < 0.05), but not when an IgG positive and negative DBS were studied. Sufficient eluate volumes were recovered for testing in the IgM Behring assay following all protocols but two. Sufficient eluate was recovered for testing in the IgG Behring assay following all six protocols. While all protocols were relatively easy to perform, only two protocols required less than 2h for completion. In general, compared protocols performed well on the extraction of antibodies from DBS for serology with differences being observed with eluate volume recovery, turn around time, required equipment and cost. An easy-to-implement protocol is proposed for the rapid extraction of serum for measles/rubella serology in outbreak situations for use in the World Health Organization Global Measles and Rubella Laboratory Network.
Journal of Virological Methods 10/2006; 137(1):140-9. · 2.01 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The routine reporting of suspected measles cases and laboratory testing of samples from these cases is the backbone of measles surveillance. The Global Measles Laboratory Network (GMLN) has developed standards for laboratory confirmation of measles and provides training resources for staff of network laboratories, reference materials and expertise for the development and quality control of testing procedures, and accurate information for the Measles Mortality Reduction and Regional Elimination Initiative. The GMLN was developed along the lines of the successful Global Polio Laboratory Network, and much of the polio laboratory infrastructure was utilized for measles. The GMLN has developed as countries focus on measles control activities following successful eradication of polio. Currently more than 100 laboratories are part of the global network and follow standardized testing and reporting procedures. A comprehensive laboratory accreditation process will be introduced in 2002 with six quality assurance and performance indicators.
The Journal of Infectious Diseases 06/2003; 187 Suppl 1:S264-9. · 6.41 Impact Factor
