Molecular analysis of rubella virus in travelers suspected of measles infection in São Paulo, Brazil

OBJECTIVE: To identify measles virus genotypes in three cases of travelers suspected of measles infection. METHODS: Samples (blood and urine) were collected for serology, virus isolation, and genotyping. Sera were analyzed for IgM antibodies against measles virus and rubella virus by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) (Siemens - Marburg, Germany). Clinical samples (lymphocytes and urine) were inoculated into Statens Serum Institute rabbit corneal epithelial cell line- ATCC CL 60 (SIRC) and Vero Slam cells. RNA was extracted from clinical samples and cell culture was inoculated and processed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with oligonucleotides specific for measles virus (MV) and rubella virus (RV). RESULTS: All patients showed IgM negative serology for MV and positive IgM for RV. RV belonging to genotypes 1B, 1C, and 1E were isolated from patients who came from Finland, Peru, and Germany, respectively. Genotype 1B has been found in Europe and on the East Coast of South America; 1C has been found in Peru and the West Coast of South America, and 1E, first identified in 1997, now appears to have worldwide distribution. CONCLUSION: Information about RV and MV genotypes circulating in Sao Paulo is essential for the control of measles, rubella, and congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) in Brazil. OBJETIVO: Identificar o genotipo do virus do sarampo em tres viajantes suspeitos de infeccao por sarampo. METODOS: Amostras (sangue e urina) foram coletadas para sorologia, isolamento viral e genotipagem. As sorologias para pesquisa de IgM para o virus do sarampo e da rubeola foi realizada utilizando-se o kit de ELISA (Siemens - Marburg, Alemanha). As amostras clinicas (linfocito e urina) foram inoculadas na SIRC (Statens Serum Institute rabbit corneal epithelial cell line-ATCC CL 60) e nas celulas Vero Slam. O RNA foi extraido das amostras clinicas e das celulas inoculadas e processadas por PCR, utilizando oligonucleotideos especificos para sarampo e rubeola. RESULTADOS: Todos os pacientes apresentaram sorologia IgM negativa para sarampo e positivo para rubeola. Os virus da rubeola isolados dos pacientes que vieram da Finlândia, Peru e Alemanha pertencem aos genotipos 1B, 1C e 1E, respectivamente. O genotipo 1B foi encontrado na Europa e na costa oriental da America do Sul, o genotipo 1C foi encontrado no Peru e na costa oeste da America do Sul e o genotipo 1E, identificado pela primeira vez em 1997, agora aparenta ser um genotipo com distribuicao mundial. CONCLUSAO: O conhecimento dos genotipos de sarampo e rubeola que circulam em Sao Paulo e essencial para o controle do sarampo, rubeola e sindrome da rubeola congenita.