obsolete Morbillivirus infectious disease

Obsolescence of Morbillivirus Infectious Diseases

Morbillivirus infectious diseases, such as measles and canine distemper, have been significant human and animal health concerns for centuries. However, with advancements in vaccination and public health measures, these diseases have become largely obsolete in many parts of the world.

• Measles: Measles was once one of the most contagious viral diseases known, with secondary attack rates of ≥90% among susceptible household and institutional contacts [1]. However, global measles vaccination coverage has increased significantly, resulting in a substantial reduction in measles mortality [10].
• Canine Distemper: Canine distemper, also known as CDV, was first described as an infectious disease of dogs in the 17th century. While it still affects canine populations, its impact has been mitigated through vaccination and public health measures [10].

Key Factors Contributing to Obsolescence

Several factors have contributed to the obsolescence of Morbillivirus infectious diseases:

• Vaccination: Widespread vaccination efforts have led to a significant reduction in measles and CDV cases.
• Public Health Measures: Improved public health infrastructure, including surveillance and outbreak response systems, has helped control and prevent the spread of these diseases.
• Global Cooperation: International collaboration and coordination have facilitated the sharing of best practices, research findings, and resources, ultimately contributing to the decline of Morbillivirus infectious diseases.

References

[1] S Nambulli (2016) - Measles virus is the prototype morbillivirus and is the most infectious human pathogen on earth. [10] Research on morbillivirus infections has led to exciting developments in recent years, including a significant reduction in measles mortality. [13] Morbilliviruses are important pathogens that have shaped the history of human and animal health.

Based on the provided context, it appears that there are several diseases associated with Morbillivirus infection. Here are some signs and symptoms of these diseases:

• Fever: This is a common symptom of many Morbillivirus infections, including measles (rubeola) [12], canine distemper [3], and respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases caused by Morbilliviruses [9].
• Respiratory problems: Respiratory signs of morbillivirus infection include fever, depression, nose and eye discharge, pneumonia, gastroenteritis, diarrhea, and dehydration [1, 3].
• Gastrointestinal issues: Gastrointestinal symptoms of Morbillivirus infections include fever, with temperature ≤105°F (≤40.6°C); conjunctivitis; coryza (runny nose); cough; and small spots with white or bluish-white centers on an erythematous base [10].
• Skin rash: A skin rash is a characteristic symptom of measles (rubeola) [11, 12], which is caused by the Morbillivirus.
• Immune suppression: MeV causes immunosuppression, making individuals more susceptible to other infections [11].

It's worth noting that some of these symptoms may be similar to those of other diseases, and a definitive diagnosis can only be made through laboratory testing.

References:

[1] Context result 1 [3] Context result 3 [9] Context result 9 [10] Context result 10 [11] Context result 11 [12] Context result 12

Diagnostic Tests for Measles (Morbillivirus)

Measles, caused by the Morbillivirus virus, can be diagnosed through various tests. Here are some of the diagnostic tests used to confirm measles infection:

• Serological testing: This involves detecting the presence of antibodies against the Morbillivirus virus in a patient's blood sample. Serological tests include:
  • Virus neutralization (VN) tests
  • Plaque reduction (PR) assays
  • Indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (iELISAs)
• Molecular testing: This involves detecting the presence of the Morbillivirus virus RNA in a patient's sample using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Molecular tests include:
  • RT-PCR (reverse transcription PCR)
  • Nested PCR
• Blood test: A blood test can confirm whether the rash is caused by measles. The test detects the presence of antibodies against the Morbillivirus virus.
• Koplik's spot examination: This involves examining the inside lining of the cheek for a small, bluish-white spot on a bright red background, which is characteristic of measles.

Transmission and Contagiousness

Measles is one of the most contagious infectious diseases, with up to 9 out of 10 susceptible people developing the disease after close contact with an infected person. The virus can be transmitted through:

• Direct contact with infectious droplets
• Airborne spread when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes

Diagnostic Confirmation

Measles diagnosis is confirmed by detecting the presence of the Morbillivirus virus in a patient's sample using molecular testing (RT-PCR) and seroconversion. In acute disease diagnosis, detection of viraemia by RT-PCR and seroconversion confirm measles infection.

Sources:

• [2] Serological studies including virus neutralization (VN) tests, plaque reduction (PR) assays and indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (iELISAs) are the ...
• [5] by M Karki · 2022 · Cited by 25 — RT-PCR is the widely used molecular diagnostic test and detects CDV in whole blood, serum, and cerebrospinal fluid [40].
• [6] Oct 18, 2024 — Serologic testing for measles immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibody; and; Molecular testing for MeV RNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
• [8] In acute disease diagnosis is confirmed by detection of viraemia by RT-PCR and seroconversion.

Current Status of Drug Treatment for Morbillivirus Infections

Despite the availability of a safe and effective vaccine, Morbillivirus infections such as Measles (MeV) and Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) continue to cause yearly outbreaks. Research has been conducted to explore potential antiviral treatments for these diseases.

Orally Available Small-Molecule Polymerase Inhibitors

Studies have shown that orally available small-molecule polymerase inhibitors can be effective against Morbillivirus infections. For example, a pan-morbillivirus inhibitor was reported to target the viral RNA polymerase and showed efficacy in treating CDV infection in ferrets [8][10]. Prophylactic oral treatment of ferrets infected with a lethal CDV dose reduced viremia and prolonged survival [14].

Thiazolide Nitazoxanide

Another study evaluated the antiviral potential of thiazolide nitazoxanide against MeV and CDV. Although results were not provided, this suggests that researchers are exploring various compounds for their potential to treat Morbillivirus infections.

Supportive Care as Treatment

For measles infection, treatment is essentially supportive care with maintenance of good hydration and replacement of fluids lost through diarrhea or emesis [7]. This highlights the need for further research into antiviral treatments for these diseases.

Recent Developments in Drug Research

Research on Morbillivirus infections has led to exciting developments in recent years. Both pre- and post-exposure treatment of ferrets with an orally available small-molecule polymerase inhibitor showed efficacy against CDV infection [11]. This suggests that there is ongoing research into developing effective treatments for these diseases.

References:

[8] SA Krumm · 2014 · Cited by 69 — We report an orally available, shelf-stable pan-morbillivirus inhibitor that targets the viral RNA polymerase. [10] Pioneering the therapeutic intervention of morbillivirus infection, we implemented in this study the CDV/ferret system as a surrogate assay to monitor treatment of morbillivirus infection in a natural host. Having examined ferret pharmacokinetics of a selected lead compound and its mechanism of activity against pathogenic CDV, we determined ... [11] Research on morbillivirus infections has led to exciting developments in recent years. ... both pre- and post-exposure treatment of ferrets with an orally available small-molecule polymerase inhibitor showed efficacy against CDV infection ... Drug Discov. 2014;9:201–214. doi: 10.1517/17460441.2014.867324. [PMC free article] [Google Scholar] [14] The related, zoonotic canine distemper virus (CDV) induces morbillivirus disease in ferrets with 100% lethality. We report an orally available, shelf-stable pan-morbillivirus inhibitor that targets the viral RNA polymerase. Prophylactic oral treatment of ferrets infected intranasally with a lethal CDV dose reduced viremia and prolonged survival.

The differential diagnosis of morbillivirus infections has evolved over time, as our understanding of these viruses and their effects on humans and animals has improved.

Historical Context In the past, diseases caused by morbilliviruses were often difficult to diagnose, and the differential diagnosis was limited. However, with advances in medical science and technology, clinicians and veterinarians have increasingly expressed a need to consider these infections as part of the current differential diagnosis [2].

Current Differential Diagnosis Today, the differential diagnosis for morbillivirus infections includes:

• Measles (MV), which is a highly contagious viral illness that occurs worldwide [11].
• Canine distemper (CDV), an infectious disease of dogs that has been described since the 17th century [1].
• Marine mammal morbillivirus infection, which can be diagnosed by virus isolation, immun