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Updated: Jun 29, 2026
Dissecting Innate Immune Signaling in Viral Evasion of Cytokine Production
Published on: March 2, 2014
Isolation of mumps virus from human beings with induced apparent or inapparent infections
Abstract:
Exposure of fifteen children to mumps virus of fifth amniotic passage in chick embryos led to involvement of the salivary glands in six, orchitis in the absence of other manifestations of mumps in one, and to no signs of illness in eight. Attempts to isolate virus from the saliva of these individuals gave the following results: 1. All patients with involvement of the salivary glands excreted virus beginning on the 11th to 15th day after exposure, 2 to 6 days prior to onset of clinical signs of disease and extending up to the 4th day of illness. 2. The patient with primary orchitis without any recognized involvement of the salivary glands excreted virus for 2 days, beginning on the 15th day after exposure and 10 days prior to his illness. 3. Six of the eight children classified as having inapparent infections because of their serologic response in the absence of clinical signs of illness, began to excrete virus on the 15th to 16th day after exposure for from 1 to 9 or more days. The epidemiologic significance of these data is discussed.
Insights
Mumps virus shedding can occur before symptoms appear, even in children with no visible illness. This shedding from the salivary glands and in cases of orchitis highlights the potential for silent transmission.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Epidemiology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Mumps is a contagious viral illness primarily affecting the salivary glands.
- Understanding the transmission dynamics, including asymptomatic shedding, is crucial for public health control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the period of mumps virus shedding in children following exposure.
- To correlate virus excretion with clinical manifestations and inapparent infections.
Main Methods:
- Fifteen children were exposed to mumps virus (fifth amniotic passage in chick embryos).
- Saliva samples were collected and analyzed for virus isolation.
- Clinical signs and serologic responses were monitored.
Main Results:
- Children with salivary gland involvement shed virus 2-6 days before symptom onset and up to 4 days into illness.
- A child with orchitis shed virus 10 days before symptom onset.
- Asymptomatic children shed virus starting 15-16 days post-exposure.
Conclusions:
- Mumps virus can be shed asymptomatically and before the onset of clinical symptoms.
- This pre-symptomatic and asymptomatic shedding has significant implications for mumps transmission and control strategies.
