,
Unit for Clinical Microbiology, Clinical Centre of the University of Sarajevo , Sarajevo , Bosnia and Herzegovina
Department of Epidemiology, Institute for Public Health of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina , Sarajevo , Bosnia and Herzegovina
Department of Microbiology, Polyclinic for Laboratory Diagnostics, University Clinical Centre Tuzla , Tuzla , Bosnia and Herzegovina
Clinic for Infectious Diseases, University Clinical Hospital Mostar , Mostar , Bosnia and Herzegovina
Institute for Biomedical Diagnostics and Research Nalaz , Sarajevo , Bosnia and Herzegovina
Department of Medical Sciences, Academy of Sciences and Arts of Bosnia and Herzegovina , Sarajevo , Bosnia and Herzegovina
Unit for Clinical Microbiology, Clinical Centre of the University of Sarajevo , Sarajevo , Bosnia and Herzegovina
Unit for Clinical Microbiology, Clinical Centre of the University of Sarajevo , Sarajevo , Bosnia and Herzegovina
Unit for Clinical Microbiology, Clinical Centre of the University of Sarajevo , Sarajevo , Bosnia and Herzegovina
Unit for Clinical Microbiology, Clinical Centre of the University of Sarajevo , Sarajevo , Bosnia and Herzegovina
Aim
To present combined measles cases data and phylogenetic analysis of the virus circulated in 2018 in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FB&H, the entity of Bosnia and Herzegovina), in order to analyse endemic transmission patterns of circulating strains and its implications for elimination efforts.
Methods
The data were derived from epidemiological case investigations and laboratory diagnoses based on serology, molecular detection and genotyping of the measles virus.
Results
During 2018 16 measles cases were reported in FB&H, of which five were classified as laboratory confirmed cases, one was an epidemiologically linked case and 10 were clinically compatible cases. Among them 12 (75.00%) cases were unvaccinated or had unknown vaccination status. The most affected population was up to 14 years of age (13/16; 81.25%). None of the cases was fully vaccinated. Viruses of other genetic lineages had been introduced in FB&H in the recent period. Two virus lineages of genotype B3 were identified. Phylogenetic analysis indicated the presence of a unique sequence of measles B3 virus in FB&H (Sarajevo).
Conclusion
Further strengthening of measles surveillance system and renewed efforts to increase vaccination levels are necessary to prevent disease and for elimination setting.
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