Implications of the human immunodeficiency virus epidemic for control and eradication of measles

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected persons may be important, unrec ognized transmitters of measles virus, thwarting eradication efforts, We re viewed the published English-language literature on measles and measles imm unization in HIV-infected persons to investigate the clinical features of m easles. the responses to measles immunization, and the safety of measles va ccine in HIV-infected persons and, conversely, the effect of measles and me asles immunization on HIV infection. HIV-infected persons with measles are likely to hale uncharacteristic clinical findings and severe illness, with high rates of pneumonitis and death. Primary and secondary failure of measl es vaccine in HIV-infected children may permit transmission of measles viru s in spite of high rates of immunization coverage. A factor that complicate s measles-control efforts in areas of high prevalence of HIV is the potenti al for fatal infection with measles vaccine virus, Further research on the impact of the HIV epidemic on measles and measles immunization is necessary to guide strategies for the eradication of measles.