Virological surveillance of measles virus (MeV) is a key component of measles elimination program. The goals of this study were to describe the epidemiology of measles infection and to evaluate MeV genotype strains circulating in Cote d’Ivoire. ELISA tests and viral isolation were performed on biological samples from suspected measles patients. Viral RNA was also extracted either directly from clinical specimens or from cell culture lysate. Fragment containing the 450 nucleotides sequence encoding the 150 carboxy-terminal amino acids of the N protein (N450), was amplified by RT-PCR and sequenced by Sanger sequencing.  Of 28,418 serum samples and 122 oral fluid samples tested by ELISA, 6507 (22.89%) and 80 (65.5%) were positive. Of 516 Viral RNA extracts used for genotyping RT-PCR; 82 were positive. N450 sequences were obtained for 79 strains. Phylogenetic analysis of these sequences showed that they all belonged to genotype B3. This study provides a baseline for molecular epidemiology of MeV in Cote d’Ivoire. The dynamic of several clusters of MeV highlights the importance of continuing MeV surveillance. These data help elucidate the burden of measles infection and will inform the vaccination strategic plan and document measles elimination in Cote d’Ivoire. 

 

Key words: Measles epidemiology, genotyping, Cote d’Ivoire, Africa.