From the Guidelines
To diagnose measles, a positive serologic test for measles immunoglobulin M antibody is typically used, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 1.
Diagnostic Tests
- A physical examination and medical history are essential to check for symptoms such as fever, cough, runny nose, and a characteristic rash.
- Laboratory tests, including a blood test to detect measles antibodies, such as immunoglobulin M (IgM) and immunoglobulin G (IgG), can confirm the diagnosis.
- A throat swab or urine test may also be done to detect the measles virus.
Clinical Presentation
Measles is characterized by a prodrome of cough, coryza, and conjunctivitis with fever, followed by a maculopapular or morbilliform rash that begins on the face and spreads downward to the trunk and out to the extremities, as described in a study on infectious diseases associated with organized sports and outbreak control 1.
Important Considerations
It is crucial to follow the healthcare professional's guidance and adhere to the recommended treatment plan to manage symptoms and prevent complications.
From the Research
Diagnostic Tests for Measles (Rubeola)
The diagnostic tests for measles (rubeola) include:
- Laboratory confirmation of measles virus infection based on a positive serological test for measles-specific immunoglobulin M antibody 2
- A four-fold or greater increase in measles-specific immunoglobulin G between acute and convalescent sera 2
- Isolation of measles virus in culture 2
- Detection of measles virus ribonucleic acid by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) 2, 3
- IgM antibody assays, which have a high diagnostic accuracy in primary infection 3
- Blood tests for measles-specific antibodies 4
- CT, MRI, and analysis of the CSF for diagnosis of measles-induced encephalitis 4
Serological Tests
Serological tests, such as IgM and IgG assays, play a crucial role in the diagnosis of measles. These tests can:
- Detect measles-specific antibodies in the blood 2, 3
- Differentiate between primary infection and suspected reinfection 3
- Provide a high diagnostic accuracy in primary infection 3
Molecular Tests
Molecular tests, such as RT-PCR, can: