Koplik’s spots

Koplik's spots are a characteristic clinical feature of the early stage of measles, a highly contagious infectious disease caused by the measles virus. Named after Henry Koplik, an American pediatrician who first described them in 1896, these spots are small, white, and typically appear on the inside of the cheeks opposite the molars before the onset of the measles rash.

Clinical Presentation

Koplik's spots are usually described as grains of salt on a red background. They are small, white or bluish-white, irregularly-shaped spots with a red halo. They appear on the buccal mucosa (the inner lining of the cheeks and lips) and are often clustered around the lower molars. They may also be found on the gums and the roof of the mouth.

The spots generally appear 2-3 days before the onset of the measles rash and disappear within a day of the rash's appearance. Their presence is a strong indicator of measles, particularly in unvaccinated individuals or in communities experiencing a measles outbreak.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of measles is usually based on the clinical presentation, including the presence of Koplik's spots, a high fever, and the characteristic measles rash. However, because Koplik's spots are transient and may be missed, laboratory testing is often necessary to confirm the diagnosis. This typically involves serologic testing for measles-specific IgM antibodies or viral culture.

Treatment and Prevention

There is no specific treatment for Koplik's spots. The management of measles is primarily supportive, including hydration, fever control, and vitamin A supplementation.

Prevention of measles, and therefore Koplik's spots, is achieved through vaccination. The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is highly effective at preventing measles and is a key component of public health efforts to eliminate the disease.

See Also

• Measles
• Measles virus
• MMR vaccine