Measles pathophysiology: Difference between revisions
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==Transmission== | ==Transmission== | ||
The measles is a highly contagious airborne pathogen which spreads primarily via the respiratory system. The virus is transmitted in respiratory secretions, and can be passed from person to person via aerosol droplets containing virus particles, such as those produced by a coughing patient. Once transmission occurs, the virus infects the epithelial cells of its new host, and may also replicate in the urinary tract, lymphatic system, conjunctivae, blood vessels, and central nervous system.<ref name="principlesofvirology">{{cite book | author = Flint SJ, Enquist LW, Racaniello VR, and AM Skalka | title = Principles of Virology, 2nd edition: Molecular Biology, Pathogenesis, and Control of Animal Viruses | 2004}}</ref> | The measles is a highly contagious airborne pathogen which spreads primarily via the respiratory system. The virus is transmitted in respiratory secretions, and can be passed from person to person via aerosol droplets containing virus particles, such as those produced by a coughing patient. Once transmission occurs, the virus infects the epithelial cells of its new host, and may also replicate in the urinary tract, lymphatic system, conjunctivae, blood vessels, and central nervous system.<ref name="principlesofvirology">{{cite book | author = Flint SJ, Enquist LW, Racaniello VR, and AM Skalka | title = Principles of Virology, 2nd edition: Molecular Biology, Pathogenesis, and Control of Animal Viruses | 2004}}</ref> It spreads through respiration (contact with [[fluid]]s from an [[infection|infected]] person's nose and mouth, either directly or through [[Particulate|aerosol]] transmission), and is highly contagious— 90% of people without [[immune system|immunity]] sharing a house with an infected person will catch it. ''Airborne precautions'' should be taken for all suspected cases of measles. | ||
The [[incubation period]] usually lasts for 4–12 days (during which there are no [[symptom]]s). | |||
Infected people remain contagious from the appearance of the first symptoms until 3–5 days after the [[rash]] appears. | |||
German measles is an unrelated condition caused by the [[rubella]] virus. | |||
Humans are the only known natural hosts of measles, although the virus can infect some non-human primate species. | Humans are the only known natural hosts of measles, although the virus can infect some non-human primate species. | ||
Revision as of 15:54, 10 December 2012
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Virology
Measles virus (MV) is an enveloped, nonsegmented negative-stranded RNA virus of the Paramyxoviridae family.
Transmission
The measles is a highly contagious airborne pathogen which spreads primarily via the respiratory system. The virus is transmitted in respiratory secretions, and can be passed from person to person via aerosol droplets containing virus particles, such as those produced by a coughing patient. Once transmission occurs, the virus infects the epithelial cells of its new host, and may also replicate in the urinary tract, lymphatic system, conjunctivae, blood vessels, and central nervous system.[1] It spreads through respiration (contact with fluids from an infected person's nose and mouth, either directly or through aerosol transmission), and is highly contagious— 90% of people without immunity sharing a house with an infected person will catch it. Airborne precautions should be taken for all suspected cases of measles.
The incubation period usually lasts for 4–12 days (during which there are no symptoms).
Infected people remain contagious from the appearance of the first symptoms until 3–5 days after the rash appears.
German measles is an unrelated condition caused by the rubella virus. Humans are the only known natural hosts of measles, although the virus can infect some non-human primate species.