| Title | The Measles Laboratory Network in the region of the Americas. | | Author(s) | Venczel L, Rota J, Dietz V, Morris-Glasgow V, Siqueira M, Quirogz E, Rey G, de Quadros C | | Institution | Pan American Health Organization, Washington, DC, USA. lvenczel@bol.ops-oms.org | | Source | J Infect Dis 2003 May 15.:S140-5. | | MeSH | Americas
Antibodies, Viral
Humans
Laboratories
Laboratory Techniques and Procedures
Measles
Measles virus
Pan American Health Organization
Quality Control
Rubella
Rubella virus
| | Abstract | The success of measles eradication depends upon a laboratory network to rapidly analyze samples obtained as part of surveillance and case investigation. The Pan American Measles Laboratory Network was established in 1995. Major activities of the 22 participating laboratories include the rapid testing of serum samples to diagnose measles, analysis and recommendation of techniques to be used in serologic testing, training in virus isolation, and procurement and distribution of laboratory materials. In addition, a comprehensive quality-control program and an electronic communication network have been developed. Testing for rubella has also been incorporated. The Network has been crucial to the great progress made toward eradicating measles from the Western Hemisphere. The priority given to the laboratories in the Network must continue in order to ensure that the eradication goal is reached and that validation of the interruption of endemic transmission of measles is documented. | | Language | eng | | Pub Type(s) | Journal Article
Review
| | PubMed ID | 12721905 |
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