Anti-Measles chimeric monoclonal antibody, clone Q6I7

We report the clinical characteristics of two adult patients, presenting with a typical erythematous rash consistent with rubella disease after MMR vaccination. Both patients had an uncomplicated clinical course and recovered uneventfully. One patient was confirmed to have vaccine-associated rubella via sequencing of virus isolated in viral culture. The other patient had a pharyngeal swab positive for rubella virus PCR, with sequencing matching the vaccine strain. There are few reports of clinical disease from rubella vaccine-strains in the literature. Previous authors have reported severe disseminated vaccine-associated rubella in both immunodeficient and immunocompetent patients. Further study is required to ascertain the incidence, risk factors, and clinical characteristics of this condition; as well as investigate the extent of horizontal transmission to guide infection control recommendations.

INTRODUCTION: Measles is a highly contagious disease caused by the rubeola virus. It can result in ocular complications such as conjunctivitis and keratitis, which will be encountered in general practice. Cases usually resolve without sequelae, but may progress to corneal perforation if left untreated. AIM: We present two cases of rubeola keratitis secondary to measles infection. METHODS: This report is about a retrospective review of data from two patients who presented to the eye department with rubeola keratitis in the midst of the recent measles outbreak in New Zealand. RESULTS: Both patients presented with decreased visual acuity approximately 2 weeks after being diagnosed with measles. One of them was unvaccinated, whereas the other had no documentation of previous vaccination. Both were healthy and immunocompetent individuals. There was no evidence of corneal perforation or retinopathy on examination. Both patients regained their baseline visual acuity after treatment with fluorometholone eye drops. DISCUSSION: Despite the existence of a safe and effective vaccine, there were more than 2000 cases of measles in the recent outbreak in New Zealand. The lack of vaccination is one of the primary causes of rubeola keratitis. These cases highlight the effects of measles infection from an ophthalmology perspective and reinforce the paramount importance of getting vaccinated.