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Mumps virus reinfection--clinical findings and serological vagaries
1Liverpool Public Health Laboratory, University Hospital Aintree, Lower Lane, Liverpool L9 7AL. bcrowley@nw.phls.org.uk
Abstract:
Sera taken from two cases of mumps reinfection were tested against different strains of mumps virus in a plaque reduction neutralisation assay. Antibodies to mumps in the sera reacted with all strains, but the pattern of emergence of these antibodies differed with the strains tested. These findings raise the possibility of emergence of a mutant strain under the selective pressure of immunisation, with limited or no cross protection induced by the vaccine strain.
Insights
Mumps reinfection antibodies reacted with all strains, but emergence patterns varied. This suggests a potential mutant mumps virus strain emerging due to vaccination, possibly reducing vaccine effectiveness.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Mumps is a contagious viral illness. Vaccination aims to prevent mumps infection and its complications.
- Reinfection with mumps virus can occur despite vaccination, indicating potential limitations in vaccine-induced immunity.
Observation:
- Sera from two mumps reinfection cases were analyzed using a plaque reduction neutralization assay.
- Antibodies present in the sera were tested against various mumps virus strains.
Findings:
- Antibodies demonstrated reactivity against all tested mumps virus strains.
- The temporal emergence of these antibodies differed significantly across the various strains.
- This differential antibody response suggests strain-specific interactions.
Implications:
- The findings suggest the potential emergence of a mumps virus mutant strain.
- This mutant strain may arise under the selective pressure of widespread immunization.
- Such a strain could lead to reduced cross-protection from current mumps vaccines, potentially impacting herd immunity.