Identification of measles virus genotypes from recent outbreaks in countries from the Eastern Mediterranean Region.

Background: Molecular characterization of measles viruses (MV) helps to identify transmission pathways of the virus and to document persistence or interruption of endemic virus circulation. In the Eastern Mediterranean Region, measles genotypes from only few countries have been documented.

Objectives: This study reports the genetic characteristics of virus strains from recent measles outbreaks in Tunisia, Libya, Syria and Iran in 2002-2003.