Question

research papers on measles and Subacute sclerosing panencephalite

Answer 1

• Measles :-

Measles, also rubeola, acute, highly contagious, fever-producing disease caused by a filterable virus, different from the virus that causes the less serious disease German measles, or rubella. Measles is characterized by small red dots appearing on the surface of the skin, irritation of the eyes (especially on exposure to light), coughing, and a runny nose. About 12 days after first exposure, the fever, sneezing, and runny nose appear. Coughing and swelling of the neck glands often follow. Four days later, red spots appear on the face or neck and then on the trunk and limbs. In 2 or 3 days the rash subsides and the fever falls; some peeling of the involved skin areas may take place.

Infection of the middle ear may also occur. Measles was formerly one of the most common childhood diseases. Since the development of an effective vaccine in 1963, it has become much less frequent. By 1988, annual measles cases in the U. S.

had been reduced to fewer than 3500, compared with about 500, 000 per year in the early 1960 s. However, the number of new cases jumped to more than 18, 000 in 1989 and to nearly 28, 000 in 1990. Most of these cases occurred among inner-city preschool children and recent immigrants, but adolescents and young adults, who may have lost immunity from their childhood vaccinations, also experienced an increase. In 1991, the number of new cases dropped to fewer than 10, 000. The reasons for this resurgence and subsequent decline are not clearly understood. In other parts of the world measles is still a common childhood disease.

In the U. S. , measles is rarely fatal; should the virus spread to the brain, however, it can cause death or brain damage. No specific treatment for measles exists. Patients are kept isolated from other susceptible individuals, usually resting in bed, and are treated with aspirin, cough syrup, and skin lotions to lessen fever, coughing, and itching.

The disease usually confers immunity after one attack, and an immune pregnant woman passes the antibody in the globulin fraction of the blood serum, through the placenta, to her fetus. Most viral infections cause no symptoms and do not result in disease. For example, only a small percentage of individuals who become infected with Epstein-Barr virus or western equine encephalomyelitis virus ever develop disease symptoms. In contrast, most people who are infected with measles, rabies, or influenza viruses develop the disease. A wide variety of viral and host factors determine the outcome of virus infections.

• Sabacute sclerosing panencephalite:-.

Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) a rare condition that is caused by a measles infection acquired earlier in life. Signs and symptoms of the condition primarily affect the central nervous system and often develop approximately 7 to 10 years after a person recovers from the measles. Affected people may initially experience behavioral changes, dementia, and disturbances in motor function. In the late stages of the disease, affected people often progress to a comatose state, and then to a persistent vegetative state. Ultimately, many people with SSPE succumb to fever, heart failure, or the brain's inability to continue controlling the autonomic nervous system. It is unclear why some people develop SSPE after they have seemingly recovered from the measles while others do not. Researchers suspect that SSPE may be due to an abnormal immune response or a mutant form of the measles virus that causes a persistent infection within the central nervous system.Treatment is supportive and primarily based on the signs and symptoms present in each person. Recent studies have shown that certain medications (called antiviral and immunomodulatory drugs) may slow the progression of the condition, although the best treatment regimen and their long-term effects in people with SSPE are currently unknown.

Symptoms

Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) generally develops approximately seven to ten years after a person recovers from the measles. Early signs and symptoms of the condition can include behavioral changes and mild mental deterioration (affecting memory, thinking, language, and judgment). As the condition progresses, affected people may experience disturbances in motor function, such as an unsteady gait (style of walking) and myoclonic jerks (uncontrollable involuntary jerking movements of the head, trunk, or limbs). Some affected people may also become blind and/or develop seizures. The muscles of the leg can be very tense or lack tone, and some affected people experiencing weakness and spasms in both legs. Because this can interfere with the ability to walk, people with SSPE may require devices to assist with mobility. In the late stages of the disease, affected people often progress to a comatose state, and then to a persistent vegetative state. Ultimately, many people with SSPE succumb to fever, heart failure, or the brain's inability to continue controlling the autonomic nervous system.

Causes:-

Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) is caused by a measles infection that is acquired earlier in life (often 7-10 years prior to the onset of SSPE symptoms). It is unclear why some people develop SSPE after they have seemingly recovered from the measles while others do not. Researchers suspect that SSPE may be due to an abnormal immune response or a mutant form of the measles virus that causes a persistent infection within the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord).

Although the underlying cause of SSPE is poorly understood, several risk factors appear to be associated with the condition. SSPE affects males more often than females and is generally diagnosed in children and adolescents. The risk of developing SSPE may be higher for a person who gets measles before they are two years of age.

Diagnosis:-A diagnosis of subacute sclerosing panencephalitis is often suspected based on the presence of characteristic signs and symptoms in a person with a history of the measles. Additional testing can then be offered to confirm the diagnosis. This may include:

• Electroencephalogram (EEG)
• Imaging studies, such as MRI or CT scan
• Serum antibody titer to look for signs of previous measles infection