Measles virus Ab

5-10 mL blood in plain tube.

2 mL CSF in plain tube.

EIA.

Serum: Investigation of suspected measles when diagnosis is uncertain.

CSF: Investigation of suspected SSPE.

Raised IgG titre is consistent with previous infection or vaccination.

A four-fold rise in titre between acute and convalescent sera is diagnostic of recent infection with measles virus, as is positive IgM.

IgM may be negative during the first 3 days of the rash. It remains positive for 4-6 weeks.

An increasing IgG titre is not usually apparent until 14 days.

In SSPE, measles virus antibodies (IgG) are detected in the CSF.