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 nasopharyngeal specimens from Zambian children during hospitalization and ∼1-2 months after discharge. Of 47 children, 29 (61.7%) had prolonged measles virus shedding, as defined by detection of measles virus RNA in ≤ 1 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 children (P = .02). Prolonged measles virus shedding did not correlate with levels of measles virus-specific antibody. HIV-infected children with measles may have a prolonged infectious period that potentially enhances measles virus transmission and hinders measles control.