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Irja Davidkin - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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seroepidemiology of Mumps in europe 1996 2008 why do outbreaks occur in highly vaccinated populations
Epidemiology and Infection, 2013Co-Authors: Jaran Eriksen, Irja Davidkin, G Kafatos, Nick Andrews, C Barbara, Dani Cohen, Arnis Duks, Algirdas Griskevicius, Kirsten L Johansen, Kalman BarthaAbstract:Mumps outbreaks have recently been recorded in a number of highly vaccinated populations. We related seroprevalence, epidemiological and vaccination data from 18 European countries participating in The European Sero-Epidemiology Network (ESEN) to their risk of Mumps outbreaks in order to inform vaccination strategies. Samples from national population serum banks were collected, tested for Mumps IgG antibodies and standardized for international comparisons. A comparative analysis between countries was undertaken using age-specific Mumps seroprevalence data and information on reported Mumps incidence, vaccine strains, vaccination programmes and vaccine coverage 5-12 years after sera collection. Mean geometric Mumps antibody titres were lower in Mumps outbreak countries [odds ratio (OR) 0·09, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0·01-0·71)]. MMR1 vaccine coverage ⩾95% remained protective in a multivariable model (P < 0·001), as did an interval of 4-8 years between doses (OR 0·08, 95% CI 0·01-0·85). Preventing outbreaks and controlling Mumps probably requires several elements, including high-coverage vaccination programmes with MMR vaccine with 4-8 years between doses.
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Waning antibody levels and avidity: Implications for MMR vaccine-induced protection
Journal of Infectious Diseases, 2012Co-Authors: Mia Kontio, Sari Jokinen, Mikko Paunio, Heikki Peltola, Irja DavidkinAbstract:Background. The measles-Mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is effective in eliciting a good antibody response. In addition to the amount of antibodies, the avidity of these antibodies might be important in protecting against disease. Methods. The amount of circulating antibodies for measles, Mumps, and rubella was measured with enzyme immunoassays, and the avidity of these antibodies was determined by urea dissociation. Three groups of twice-MMR-vaccinated individuals and 1 group of naturally infected individuals were studied. One vaccinated group (n = 71) was studied 6 months and 20 years after a second MMR vaccination. Results. The antibody avidity indexes were high for measles and rubella but low for Mumps. Twenty years after a second MMR vaccination, antibody levels for all 3 viruses waned. Also, the mean avidity index decreased by 8% for measles, 24% for Mumps, and remained unchanged for rubella. Antibody avidity correlated with antibody concentration for measles. There was partial correlation for rubella and no correlation for Mumps. Conclusions. Measles and rubella induced high-avidity antibodies and Mumps induced low-avidity antibodies after both vaccination and natural infection. Waning of both the concentration as well as the avidity of antibodies might contribute to measles and Mumps infections in twice-MMR-vaccinated individuals.
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cellular immunity to Mumps virus in young adults 21 years after measles Mumps rubella vaccination
The Journal of Infectious Diseases, 2007Co-Authors: Sari Jokinen, Pamela Osterlund, Ilkka Julkunen, Irja DavidkinAbstract:BACKGROUND Measles-Mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccination has decreased the incidence of measles, Mumps, and rubella virus infections in several countries. However, the persistence of MMR vaccine-induced immunity in the absence of endemic infection has remained unknown. METHODS The persistence of cellular and humoral immunity to Mumps virus was studied in 50 individuals (group A) who had been vaccinated twice with MMR vaccine during early childhood and were followed up for 21 years after their first vaccination. Eleven individuals (group B) with naturally acquired immunity to Mumps virus were studied for comparison. RESULTS Anti-Mumps virus IgG antibodies were detectable (titer > or = 230) in 72% of the vaccinees. A Mumps antigen-specific lymphoproliferative response (defined as a stimulatory index [SI] > or = 3) was observed in 98% of group A subjects (mean+/-SD SI, 26+/-30 [range, 0.5-252]) and in 100% of group B subjects (mean+/-SD SI, 22+/-27 [range, 5-123]). Significant Mumps antigen-specific interferon- gamma production was detected in 73% of subjects in both groups A and B, and interleukin-10 production was detected in 40% and 36% of group A and B subjects, respectively. CONCLUSIONS All presently seronegative vaccinees (n=14) had Mumps antigen-specific lymphoproliferative responses, and only 1 of the seropositive vaccinees (n=36) was devoid of detectable cellular immunity. The results suggest a very long persistence of vaccine-induced anti-Mumps virus cellular immunity.
Sigrid Gouma - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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differences in antigenic sites and other functional regions between genotype a and g Mumps virus surface proteins
Scientific Reports, 2018Co-Authors: Sigrid Gouma, Jeroen Cremer, Tessa Vermeire, Steven Van Gucht, Lennart Martens, Veronik Hutse, Paul A Rota, Geert Lerouxroels, Marion KoopmansAbstract:The surface proteins of the Mumps virus, the fusion protein (F) and haemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN), are key factors in Mumps pathogenesis and are important targets for the immune response during Mumps virus infection. We compared the predicted amino acid sequences of the F and HN genes from Dutch Mumps virus samples from the pre-vaccine era (1957–1982) with Mumps virus genotype G strains (from 2004 onwards). Genotype G is the most frequently detected Mumps genotype in recent outbreaks in vaccinated communities, especially in Western Europe, the USA and Japan. Amino acid differences between the Jeryl Lynn vaccine strains (genotype A) and genotype G strains were predominantly located in known B-cell epitopes and in N-linked glycosylation sites on the HN protein. There were eight variable amino acid positions specific to genotype A or genotype G sequences in five known B-cell epitopes of the HN protein. These differences may account for the reported antigenic differences between Jeryl Lynn and genotype G strains. We also found amino acid differences in and near sites on the HN protein that have been reported to play a role in Mumps virus pathogenesis. These differences may contribute to the occurrence of genotype G outbreaks in vaccinated communities.
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Mumps specific cross neutralization by mmr vaccine induced antibodies predicts protection against Mumps virus infection
Vaccine, 2016Co-Authors: Sigrid Gouma, Marion Koopmans, Hinke Ten I Hulscher, Tessa Schurinkvant M Klooster, Hester E De Melker, G J Boland, Patricia Kaaijk, Rob Van BinnendijkAbstract:Abstract Background Similar to other recent Mumps genotype G outbreaks worldwide, most Mumps patients during the recent Mumps genotype G outbreaks in the Netherlands had received 2 doses of measles, Mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine during childhood. Here, we investigate the capacity of vaccine-induced antibodies to neutralize wild type Mumps virus strains, including Mumps virus genotype G. Methods In this study, we tested 105 pre-outbreak serum samples from students who had received 2 MMR vaccine doses and who had no Mumps virus infection ( n = 76), symptomatic Mumps virus infection ( n = 10) or asymptomatic Mumps virus infection ( n = 19) during the Mumps outbreaks. In all samples, Mumps-specific IgG concentrations were measured by multiplex immunoassay and neutralization titers were measured against the Jeryl Lynn vaccine strain and against wild type genotype G and genotype D Mumps virus strains. Results The correlation between Mumps-specific IgG concentrations and neutralization titers against Jeryl Lynn was poor, which suggests that IgG concentrations do not adequately represent immunological protection against Mumps virus infection by antibody neutralization. Pre-outbreak neutralization titers in infected persons were significantly lower against genotype G than against the vaccine strain. Furthermore, antibody neutralization of wild type Mumps virus genotype G and genotype D was significantly reduced in pre-outbreak samples from infected persons as compared with non-infected persons. No statistically significant difference was found for the vaccine strain. The sensitivity/specificity ratio was largest for neutralization of the genotype G strain as compared with the genotype D strain and the vaccine strain. Conclusions The reduced neutralization of wild type Mumps virus strains in MMR vaccinated persons prior to infection indicates that pre-outbreak Mumps virus neutralization is partly strain-specific and that neutralization differs between infected and non-infected persons. Therefore, we recommend the use of wild type Mumps virus neutralization assays as preferred tool for surveillance of protection against Mumps virus infection.
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Mumps virus pathogenesis insights and knowledge gaps
Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics, 2016Co-Authors: Sigrid Gouma, Marion Koopmans, Rob Van BinnendijkAbstract:The recent Mumps outbreaks among MMR vaccinated persons have raised questions about the biological mechanisms related to Mumps symptoms and complications in the background of waning immunity. Contrary to other paramyxoviruses, the understanding of Mumps virus pathogenesis is limited, and further in-depth clinical studies are required to provide answers to important research questions.
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severity of Mumps disease is related to mmr vaccination status and viral shedding
Vaccine, 2016Co-Authors: Sigrid Gouma, Marion Koopmans, Susan J M Hahne, Daphne B Gijselaar, Rob Van BinnendijkAbstract:Abstract Background During recent years, various Mumps outbreaks have occurred among measles, Mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccinated persons in various countries worldwide, including the Netherlands. We studied Mumps virus shedding in MMR vaccinated and unvaccinated Mumps patients and related these findings to clinical data. Methods In this study, we included 1112 Mumps patients of whom diagnostic samples were tested positive in our laboratory between 1 January 2007 and 31 December 2014. We compared Mumps virus shedding and severity of disease between patients who had received 2 doses of MMR ( n = 592) and unvaccinated Mumps patients ( n = 195). Mumps virus shedding in saliva and urine specimens was measured by qPCR. Severity of disease was studied in a subset of patients with clinical data available. Results Mumps patients who had received 2 MMR doses shed less often Mumps virus in their urine than unvaccinated patients. Salivary viral loads were higher at day of onset of disease in twice MMR vaccinated patients with viruria than in twice MMR vaccinated patients without viruria. However, salivary viral loads did not significantly differ between patients who had received 2 MMR doses and unvaccinated patients. Bilateral parotitis and orchitis were less often reported in patients who had received 2 MMR doses than in unvaccinated patients. Furthermore, the prevalence of bilateral parotitis and orchitis was higher among twice MMR vaccinated patients with viruria than among twice MMR vaccinated patients without viruria. Conclusions MMR vaccination was associated with less severe disease among Mumps patients. Systemic spread of virus was associated with more severe disease. The elevated salivary viral loads in patients with systemic Mumps disease suggest that these patients pose a higher risk for Mumps virus transmission. Our study contributes to the understanding of Mumps virus pathogenesis and shows the protective effect of MMR vaccination on severity of disease.
Warren E Licht - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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reply to marakasova and baranova mmr vaccine and covid 19 measles protein homology may contribute to cross reactivity or to complement activation protection
Mbio, 2021Co-Authors: Jeffrey Gold, William H Baumgartl, Larry P Tilley, David J Hurley, Balazs Rada, Warren E LichtAbstract:Marakasova and Baranova make a good, incremental step trying to explain the results of our paper, “Analysis of Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) Titers of Recovered COVID-19 Patients” (1). We believe the predictable waning of Mumps IgG titers over time allows Mumps titers to serve as a proxy measure of overall MMR II vaccine persistence. Even though we observed a significant inverse correlation only with Mumps virus titers, any of the components of MMR II alone or …
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analysis of measles Mumps rubella mmr titers of recovered covid 19 patients
Mbio, 2020Co-Authors: Jeffrey E Gold, William H Baumgartl, Ramazan Azim Okyay, Warren E Licht, Paul L Fidel, Mairi C Noverr, Larry P Tilley, David J Hurley, Balazs Rada, John W AshfordAbstract:The measles-Mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine has been theorized to provide protection against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Our aim was to determine whether any MMR IgG titers are inversely correlated with severity in recovered COVID-19 patients previously vaccinated with MMR II. We divided 80 subjects into two groups, comparing MMR titers to recent COVID-19 severity levels. The MMR II group consisted of 50 subjects who would primarily have MMR antibodies from the MMR II vaccine, and a comparison group of 30 subjects consisted of those who would primarily have MMR antibodies from sources other than MMR II, including prior measles, Mumps, and/or rubella illnesses. There was a significant inverse correlation (rs = -0.71, P < 0.001) between Mumps virus titers (Mumps titers) and COVID-19 severity within the MMR II group. There were no significant correlations between Mumps titers and severity in the comparison group, between Mumps titers and age in the MMR II group, or between severity and measles or rubella titers in either group. Within the MMR II group, Mumps titers of 134 to 300 arbitrary units (AU)/ml (n = 8) were found only in those who were functionally immune or asymptomatic; all with mild symptoms had Mumps titers below 134 AU/ml (n = 17); all with moderate symptoms had Mumps titers below 75 AU/ml (n = 11); all who had been hospitalized and had required oxygen had Mumps titers below 32 AU/ml (n = 5). Our results demonstrate that there is a significant inverse correlation between Mumps titers from MMR II and COVID-19 severity.IMPORTANCE COVID-19 has presented various paradoxes that, if understood better, may provide clues to controlling the pandemic, even before a COVID-19 vaccine is widely available. First, young children are largely spared from severe disease. Second, numerous countries have COVID-19 death rates that are as low as 1% of the death rates of other countries. Third, many people, despite prolonged close contact with someone who is COVID-19 positive, never test positive themselves. Fourth, nearly half of people who test positive for COVID-19 are asymptomatic. Some researchers have theorized that the measles-Mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine may be responsible for these disparities. The significance of our study is that it showed that Mumps titers related to the MMR II vaccine are significantly and inversely correlated with the severity of COVID-19-related symptoms, supporting the theorized association between the MMR vaccine and COVID-19 severity.
Marion Koopmans - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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differences in antigenic sites and other functional regions between genotype a and g Mumps virus surface proteins
Scientific Reports, 2018Co-Authors: Sigrid Gouma, Jeroen Cremer, Tessa Vermeire, Steven Van Gucht, Lennart Martens, Veronik Hutse, Paul A Rota, Geert Lerouxroels, Marion KoopmansAbstract:The surface proteins of the Mumps virus, the fusion protein (F) and haemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN), are key factors in Mumps pathogenesis and are important targets for the immune response during Mumps virus infection. We compared the predicted amino acid sequences of the F and HN genes from Dutch Mumps virus samples from the pre-vaccine era (1957–1982) with Mumps virus genotype G strains (from 2004 onwards). Genotype G is the most frequently detected Mumps genotype in recent outbreaks in vaccinated communities, especially in Western Europe, the USA and Japan. Amino acid differences between the Jeryl Lynn vaccine strains (genotype A) and genotype G strains were predominantly located in known B-cell epitopes and in N-linked glycosylation sites on the HN protein. There were eight variable amino acid positions specific to genotype A or genotype G sequences in five known B-cell epitopes of the HN protein. These differences may account for the reported antigenic differences between Jeryl Lynn and genotype G strains. We also found amino acid differences in and near sites on the HN protein that have been reported to play a role in Mumps virus pathogenesis. These differences may contribute to the occurrence of genotype G outbreaks in vaccinated communities.
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Mumps specific cross neutralization by mmr vaccine induced antibodies predicts protection against Mumps virus infection
Vaccine, 2016Co-Authors: Sigrid Gouma, Marion Koopmans, Hinke Ten I Hulscher, Tessa Schurinkvant M Klooster, Hester E De Melker, G J Boland, Patricia Kaaijk, Rob Van BinnendijkAbstract:Abstract Background Similar to other recent Mumps genotype G outbreaks worldwide, most Mumps patients during the recent Mumps genotype G outbreaks in the Netherlands had received 2 doses of measles, Mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine during childhood. Here, we investigate the capacity of vaccine-induced antibodies to neutralize wild type Mumps virus strains, including Mumps virus genotype G. Methods In this study, we tested 105 pre-outbreak serum samples from students who had received 2 MMR vaccine doses and who had no Mumps virus infection ( n = 76), symptomatic Mumps virus infection ( n = 10) or asymptomatic Mumps virus infection ( n = 19) during the Mumps outbreaks. In all samples, Mumps-specific IgG concentrations were measured by multiplex immunoassay and neutralization titers were measured against the Jeryl Lynn vaccine strain and against wild type genotype G and genotype D Mumps virus strains. Results The correlation between Mumps-specific IgG concentrations and neutralization titers against Jeryl Lynn was poor, which suggests that IgG concentrations do not adequately represent immunological protection against Mumps virus infection by antibody neutralization. Pre-outbreak neutralization titers in infected persons were significantly lower against genotype G than against the vaccine strain. Furthermore, antibody neutralization of wild type Mumps virus genotype G and genotype D was significantly reduced in pre-outbreak samples from infected persons as compared with non-infected persons. No statistically significant difference was found for the vaccine strain. The sensitivity/specificity ratio was largest for neutralization of the genotype G strain as compared with the genotype D strain and the vaccine strain. Conclusions The reduced neutralization of wild type Mumps virus strains in MMR vaccinated persons prior to infection indicates that pre-outbreak Mumps virus neutralization is partly strain-specific and that neutralization differs between infected and non-infected persons. Therefore, we recommend the use of wild type Mumps virus neutralization assays as preferred tool for surveillance of protection against Mumps virus infection.
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Mumps virus pathogenesis insights and knowledge gaps
Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics, 2016Co-Authors: Sigrid Gouma, Marion Koopmans, Rob Van BinnendijkAbstract:The recent Mumps outbreaks among MMR vaccinated persons have raised questions about the biological mechanisms related to Mumps symptoms and complications in the background of waning immunity. Contrary to other paramyxoviruses, the understanding of Mumps virus pathogenesis is limited, and further in-depth clinical studies are required to provide answers to important research questions.
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severity of Mumps disease is related to mmr vaccination status and viral shedding
Vaccine, 2016Co-Authors: Sigrid Gouma, Marion Koopmans, Susan J M Hahne, Daphne B Gijselaar, Rob Van BinnendijkAbstract:Abstract Background During recent years, various Mumps outbreaks have occurred among measles, Mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccinated persons in various countries worldwide, including the Netherlands. We studied Mumps virus shedding in MMR vaccinated and unvaccinated Mumps patients and related these findings to clinical data. Methods In this study, we included 1112 Mumps patients of whom diagnostic samples were tested positive in our laboratory between 1 January 2007 and 31 December 2014. We compared Mumps virus shedding and severity of disease between patients who had received 2 doses of MMR ( n = 592) and unvaccinated Mumps patients ( n = 195). Mumps virus shedding in saliva and urine specimens was measured by qPCR. Severity of disease was studied in a subset of patients with clinical data available. Results Mumps patients who had received 2 MMR doses shed less often Mumps virus in their urine than unvaccinated patients. Salivary viral loads were higher at day of onset of disease in twice MMR vaccinated patients with viruria than in twice MMR vaccinated patients without viruria. However, salivary viral loads did not significantly differ between patients who had received 2 MMR doses and unvaccinated patients. Bilateral parotitis and orchitis were less often reported in patients who had received 2 MMR doses than in unvaccinated patients. Furthermore, the prevalence of bilateral parotitis and orchitis was higher among twice MMR vaccinated patients with viruria than among twice MMR vaccinated patients without viruria. Conclusions MMR vaccination was associated with less severe disease among Mumps patients. Systemic spread of virus was associated with more severe disease. The elevated salivary viral loads in patients with systemic Mumps disease suggest that these patients pose a higher risk for Mumps virus transmission. Our study contributes to the understanding of Mumps virus pathogenesis and shows the protective effect of MMR vaccination on severity of disease.
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assessment of serological evidence for Mumps virus infection in vaccinated children
Vaccine, 2011Co-Authors: Sabine Dittrich, Marion Koopmans, Alies Van Lier, Hein J Boot, Susan Hahne, Robert Kohl, Robert S Van BinnendijkAbstract:It is estimated that at least one-third of Mumps virus infections in non-vaccinated individuals are asymptomatic. Little information is available whether this proportion is the same among those vaccinated. We validated a commercial oral fluid Mumps IgG-specific Enzyme Immunoassays (EIA) with vaccinated control groups to identify symptomatic and asymptomatic Mumps virus infections in vaccinated individuals during a Mumps outbreak in The Netherlands. A vaccinated control group was required to define a new cutoff value for the assay, because of the presence of low but significant levels of IgG antibodies in oral fluid as a result of Mumps vaccination in the past. With a new cutoff, calculated using receiver operator characteristic analysis, we identified an attack rate of 7-10% compared to 2.7% based on clinical symptoms among vaccinated children. This finding has important implications when studying transmission patterns, strain virulence, as well as Mumps vaccine effectiveness to protect from infection rather than disease.
William J Bellini - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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decreased humoral immunity to Mumps in young adults immunized with mmr vaccine in childhood
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 2019Co-Authors: Mohammed Ata Ur Rasheed, Carole J Hickman, Marcia Mcgrew, Sun B Sowers, Sara Mercader, Amy Hopkins, Vickie Grimes, Jens Wrammert, Mark J Mulligan, William J BelliniAbstract:In the past decade, multiple Mumps outbreaks have occurred in the United States, primarily in close-contact, high-density settings such as colleges, with a high attack rate among young adults, many of whom had the recommended 2 doses of Mumps-measles-rubella (MMR) vaccine. Waning humoral immunity and the circulation of divergent wild-type Mumps strains have been proposed as contributing factors to Mumps resurgence. Blood samples from 71 healthy 18- to 23-year-old college students living in a non-outbreak area were assayed for antibodies and memory B cells (MBCs) to Mumps, measles, and rubella. Seroprevalence rates of Mumps, measles, and rubella determined by IgG enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were 93, 93, and 100%, respectively. The index standard ratio indicated that the concentration of IgG was significantly lower for Mumps than rubella. High IgG avidity to Mumps Enders strain was detected in sera of 59/71 participants who had sufficient IgG levels. The frequency of circulating Mumps-specific MBCs was 5 to 10 times lower than measles and rubella, and 10% of the participants had no detectable MBCs to Mumps. Geometric mean neutralizing antibody titers (GMTs) by plaque reduction neutralization to the predominant circulating wild-type Mumps strain (genotype G) were 6-fold lower than the GMTs against the Jeryl Lynn vaccine strain (genotype A). The majority of the participants (80%) received their second MMR vaccine ≥10 years prior to study participation. Additional efforts are needed to fully characterize B and T cell immune responses to Mumps vaccine and to develop strategies to improve the quality and durability of vaccine-induced immunity.
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guidance for isolation precautions for Mumps in the united states a review of the scientific basis for policy change
Clinical Infectious Diseases, 2010Co-Authors: Preeta K Kutty, Moe H Kyaw, Gustavo H Dayan, Michael T Brady, Joseph A Bocchini, Susan E Reef, William J Bellini, Jane F SewardAbstract:The 2006 Mumps resurgence in the United States raised questions about the appropriate isolation period for people with Mumps. To determine the scientific basis for isolation recommendations, we conducted a literature review and considered isolation of virus and virus load in saliva and respiratory secretions as factors that were related to Mumps transmission risk. Although Mumps virus has been isolated from 7 days before through 8 days after parotitis onset, the highest percentage of positive isolations and the highest virus loads occur closest to parotitis onset and decrease rapidly thereafter. Most transmission likely occurs before and within 5 days of parotitis onset. Transmission can occur during the prodromal phase and with subclinical infections. Updated guidance, released in 2007-2008, changed the Mumps isolation period from 9 to 5 days. It is now recommended that Mumps patients be isolated and standard and droplet precautions be followed for 5 days after parotitis onset.
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real time reverse transcription pcr assay for detection of Mumps virus rna in clinical specimens
Journal of Clinical Microbiology, 2007Co-Authors: Jennifer D Boddicker, William J Bellini, Paul A Rota, Trisha M Kreman, Andrea Wangeman, Louis Lowe, Kimberly B Hummel, Robert G Thompson, Michael Pentella, Lucy E DesjardinAbstract:The Mumps virus is a negative-strand RNA virus in the family Paramyxoviridae. Mumps infection results in an acute illness with symptoms including fever, headache, and myalgia, followed by swelling of the salivary glands. Complications of Mumps can include meningitis, deafness, pancreatitis, orchitis, and first-trimester abortion. Laboratory confirmation of Mumps infection can be made by the detection of immunoglobulin M-specific antibodies to Mumps virus in acute-phase serum samples, the isolation of Mumps virus in cell culture, or by detection of the RNA of the Mumps virus by reverse transcription (RT)-PCR. We developed and validated a multiplex real-time RT-PCR assay for rapid Mumps diagnosis in a clinical setting. This assay used oligonucleotide primers and a TaqMan probe targeting the Mumps SH gene, as well as primers and a probe that targeted the human RNase P gene to assess the presence of PCR inhibitors and as a measure of specimen quality. The test was specific, since it did not amplify a product from near-neighbor viruses, as well as sensitive and accurate. Real-time RT-PCR results showed 100% correlation with results from viral culture, the gold standard for Mumps diagnostic testing. Assay efficiency was over 90% and displayed good precision after performing inter- and intraassay replicates. Thus, we have developed and validated a molecular method for rapidly diagnosing Mumps infection that may be used to complement existing techniques.
