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A case of mumps conjunctivitis: detection of the virus RNA by nested PCR in tear sample
Ahmet Kalkan1, Mehmet Ozden, Turgut Yilmaz
1Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Firat University, TR-23119 Elazig, Turkey.
Abstract:
Mumps is a disease caused by a virus that can infect many parts of the body, especially the parotid salivary glands. A case of epidemic parotitis in an adult female affected by bilateral conjunctivitis is presented. Mumps virus was detected in tear samples by reverse transcription nested polymerase chain reaction (RT-n-PCR). The conjunctivitis resolved completely within 11 d.
Insights
Mumps virus can cause epidemic parotitis and bilateral conjunctivitis. The mumps virus was detected in tear samples, confirming its role in the eye infection.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- Mumps is a viral illness primarily affecting salivary glands.
- Epidemic parotitis, commonly known as mumps, can present with varied symptoms.
Observation:
- A case of epidemic parotitis in an adult female with bilateral conjunctivitis was observed.
- The conjunctivitis presented as a notable symptom alongside parotitis.
Findings:
- Mumps virus was successfully detected in tear samples from the affected patient.
- Reverse transcription nested polymerase chain reaction (RT-n-PCR) confirmed the presence of mumps virus RNA in ocular secretions.
- The conjunctivitis resolved completely within 11 days.
Implications:
- This case highlights the potential for mumps virus to cause ocular manifestations like conjunctivitis.
- Ocular sampling may be a useful diagnostic approach for mumps virus detection in specific clinical presentations.
- Understanding the spectrum of mumps virus tropism is crucial for comprehensive patient care.
