Effect of Live Measles Vaccine on the Platelet Count

Abstract

THROMBOCYTOPENIA may accompany or follow a variety of viral infections.¹ Thrombocytopenic purpura is a well recognized but apparently uncommon complication of measles.^{2 , 3} The availability of an attenuated live measles vaccine allowed a study of the effects of a controlled viral infection on the platelet count. This study demonstrates that a prompt, transient, mild depression of the platelet count occurs in many cases after inoculation with live measles virus.Materials and MethodsSubjectsSubjects, both males and females, ranged in age from six weeks to thirty-nine years. All were afebrile and in good health at the time of vaccination. Twenty-nine were . . .