Peer-reviewed article
Emergence of measles virus genotype D8 amidst endemic B3 circulation in Uganda, 2023-2025.
Prossy Namuwulya, Irene Turyahabwe, Rena Nakyeyune, Molly Birungi, Phionah Tushabe et al. ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view · claude-haiku-4-5-20251001This study identified the emergence of measles virus genotype D8 in Uganda for the first time, alongside the already-circulating endemic genotype B3. Researchers used molecular genotyping on 137 specimens and phylogenetic analysis to detect and characterize the viral strains. The findings suggest gaps in surveillance systems and vaccination coverage, and highlight the need to strengthen measles immunization programmes in Uganda.
Key points
- Measles genotype D8 detected for the first time in Uganda, co-circulating with endemic genotype B3
- Molecular genotyping performed on 137 specimens targeting the measles virus N450 region
- Phylogenetic analysis revealed the evolutionary relationships of detected strains
- WHO estimated 107,500 measles-related deaths globally in 2023, with over 95% in low- and middle-income countries
- Detection indicates gaps in surveillance systems and vaccination coverage in Uganda
Limitations
This is a surveillance study that characterizes circulating measles strains but does not evaluate the effectiveness of interventions or vaccination coverage rates directly. It cannot provide data on immunity levels, vaccination uptake, or health outcomes in Ugandan children.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Measles remains a significant global health threat, with recurrent outbreaks, even in regions such as America, where the disease had been eliminated. Despite the availability of an effective and freely accessible vaccine, measles remains a global burden especially in children. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimated 107,500 measles-related deaths in 2023, with over 95% occurring in low- and middle-income countries reflecting fragile health systems. Uganda has similarly experienced persistent outbreaks since 2023. This study aimed at investigating the emergence of measles genotype D8 in Uganda for the first time, alongside the endemic measles genotype B3. METHODS: To track measles circulating strains, molecular genotyping targeting the measles virus N450 region was performed on 137 specimens. Phylogenetic analysis of the sequences was carried out along with WHO reference sequences and GenBank selected sequences. RESULTS: Alongside the endemic B3 genotype, genotype D8 was detected for the first time in Uganda, revealing co-circulation of both lineages. CONCLUSIONS: The detection of measles D8 alongside the endemic B3 indicated possible gaps in the existing surveillance system and vaccination coverage. These findings highlight the critical importance of molecular surveillance and the urgent need to enhance measles vaccination coverage.