The role of extended and whole genome sequencing for tracking transmission of measles and rubella viruses: report from the Global Measles and Rubella Laboratory Network meeting, 2017

Overview

The lack of an endemic genotype of measles and rubella is an essential criterion for verification of elimination of disease transmission.Molecular surveillance for measles and rubella is supported by the WHO Global Measles and Rubella Laboratory Network (GMRLN) as a means to characterize outbreaks and track transmission of these viruses. GMRLN has defined the genomic target sequences used to genotype measles and rubella viruses, which are submitted to the 2 global databases, MeaNS and RubeNS, maintained by Public Health England. The genetic characterization of viruses has proven to be a very powerful approach in tracking the global circulation of measles and rubella, and in documenting elimination or continuing endemic transmission.