Abstract

A striking occurrence will mark an acute infection with the measles virus. The patient soon acquires a lifelong specific immunity to the virus. But, unexpectedly, a transient cellular immune deficiency takes place as well, for several months. The causes of this paradox have not been entirely elucidated. An atypical measles syndrome was scrutinized in order to evaluate the immune status of patients who developed this disorder, subsequently to the administration of the formalin inactivated measles virus vaccine. Although considered not to occur in classic measles, an immune waning develops, at least, in atypical measles syndrome.

Keywords

measles virus, permanent immunity, immune deficiency, immune waning, atypical measles syndrome