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RNA homology between subacute sclerosing panencephalitis and measles viruses

Nature volume 264, pages 474–477 (1976)Cite this article

Abstract

VIROLOGICAL and immunological studies in subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) have associated this disease with measles virus1,2. Measles-like virus (referred to as SSPE virus) has been isolated from brain material of patients with SSPE and all SSPE patients reveal an hyperimmune reaction to measles virus antigen. In spite of these major findings the aetiology and pathogenicity of SSPE is still not understood, and the rarity and rural prevalence of this disease remain unexplained3. If measles virus is involved then additional factors either host or virus dependent, must determine the disease since the occurrence of measles virus and its acute infection cannot be correlated with SSPE. So far, no major host factor, either immunological or genetic, has been discovered which would answer these questions4.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Virology and Immunobiology, University of Würzburg, Versbacher Landstrasse 7, 8700, Würzburg, FRG

    WILLIAM W. HALL & VOLKER TER MEULEN

Authors
  1. WILLIAM W. HALL
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  2. VOLKER TER MEULEN
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HALL, W., MEULEN, V. RNA homology between subacute sclerosing panencephalitis and measles viruses. Nature 264, 474–477 (1976). https://doi.org/10.1038/264474a0

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