Prolonged measles virus shedding in human immunodeficiency virus-infected children, detected by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction

A reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction assay was used to detect measles virus RNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells, urine, and nasopha ryngeal specimens from Zambian children during hospitalization and similar to1-2 months after discharge. Of 47 children, 29 (61.7%) had prolonged meas les virus shedding, as defined by detection of measles virus RNA in greater than or equal to1 specimen obtained 30-61 days after rash onset. Ten (90.9 %) of 11 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected children had prolonged measles virus shedding, compared with 19 (52.8%) of 36 HIV-uninfected chil dren (P = .02). Prolonged measles virus shedding did not correlate with lev els of measles virus-specific antibody. HIV-infected children with measles may have a prolonged infectious period that potentially enhances measles vi rus transmission and hinders measles control.