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Measles

Measles morbillivirus

Hemagglutinin (…Fusion Protein …Lipid EnvelopeMatrix Protein …Nucleocapsid (N…

Description

Measles is one of the most contagious diseases known — a single infected person can infect 12-18 others. The virus attacks immune memory cells, causing 'immune amnesia' that erases immunity to previously encountered pathogens. This effect can last 2-3 years after infection.

TypeParamyxovirus (Morbillivirus)

ShapePleomorphic spherical with fusion proteins

Size100–300 nm

GenomeNegative-sense single-stranded RNA

Discovered1757 (identified as distinct disease), 1954 (virus isolated)

Mortality~0.1-0.2% in developed countries; 3-6% in developing countries; up to 10% in malnourished

Discovery

Discovered in 1757 (identified as distinct disease), 1954 (virus isolated) by John Enders & Thomas Peebles (USA)

Transmission

Airborne (one of the most contagious diseases — R₀ of 12-18), respiratory droplets

Symptoms

High feverCoughRunny noseRed watery eyesKoplik spots (white spots in mouth)Characteristic red rash (face → body)

💊 Treatment / Medicine

No specific antiviral — supportive care, Vitamin A supplementation (reduces complications by 50%), treat secondary infections

🛡️ Prevention

MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella — 97% effective with 2 doses), isolation of cases, ring vaccination

💡

Measles causes 'immune amnesia' — it erases your immune system's memory of past infections, leaving you vulnerable to diseases you were previously immune to for up to 3 years!

Structural Components

Hemagglutinin (H)

Surface receptor binding protein that attaches to CD46/SLAM receptors on host cells

Fusion Protein (F)

Trimeric protein that fuses viral and cell membranes for entry

Lipid Envelope

Host-derived membrane studded with H and F glycoproteins

Matrix Protein (M)

Lines the inner envelope surface — organizes virus assembly

Nucleocapsid (N+P+L)

Helical ribonucleoprotein complex with nucleoprotein, phosphoprotein, and polymerase

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