Manayani, D JAbraham, MGnanamuthu, CSolomon, TAlexander, MSridharan, G2002-01-282009-05-282002-01-282009-05-282002-01-28Manayani DJ, Abraham M, Gnanamuthu C, Solomon T, Alexander M, Sridharan G. SSPE - The continuing challenge: A study based on serological evidence from a teritary care centre in India. Indian Journal of Medical Microbiology. 2002 Jan-Mar; 20(1): 16-8http://imsear.searo.who.int/handle/123456789/53745PURPOSE: To assess the prevalence of subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE). METHODS: In the period June 96 to December' 98 an analysis for measles virus (MV) antibody was carried out on 103 serum-CSF pairs received from patients clinically suspected of SSPE. Measles antibody was detected in an indirect immunofluorescent assay (IIF) test. RESULTS: Antibody to measles was detectable in 49 (48%) of the serum-CSF pairs tested, a diagnostic criterion for SSPE. Antibody titers ranged from 20 to 1280 in serum and neat to 32 in CSF. The serum: CSF ratio ranged from 5:1 to 80:1. Of the 49 patients diagnosed to have SSPE, 36 were males and 13 females, and the age of the patients at the time of diagnosis of SSPE ranged from 5 to 26 years. Ten of the SSPE patients gave a history of measles vaccination. CONCLUSIONS: Inadequate vaccine coverage and quality of vaccine used continue to have an impact on occurrence of SSPE.engJournal Article