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Molecular epidemiological evaluation of the recent resurgence in mumps virus infections in Ireland

Michael J Carr1, Eibhlín Moss, Allison Waters

  • 1National Virus Reference Laboratory, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland. michael.carr@ucd.ie

Journal of Clinical Microbiology
|July 28, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Outbreaks of mumps, a vaccine-preventable illness, occurred in Ireland between 2004-2009. Younger adults were disproportionately affected by neurological complications, with a notable increase in cases among those over 30.

Area of Science:

  • Epidemiology
  • Virology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Mumps is a vaccine-preventable viral illness. Despite widespread childhood immunization programs, outbreaks have been documented, particularly in young adults attending higher education institutions.
  • Understanding the factors contributing to mumps outbreaks is crucial for public health interventions and vaccine strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To retrospectively investigate the epidemiological, virological, and serological characteristics of mumps cases in Ireland from 2004 to 2009.
  • To identify the circulating mumps virus genotype and analyze its association with clinical manifestations, including neurological sequelae.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of mumps cases reported in Ireland between 2004 and 2009.
  • Epidemiological data collection, including age, sex, and vaccination status.
  • Virological analysis of mumps virus strains, including genetic sequencing.
  • Serological testing for mumps virus-specific IgM antibodies in serum samples.
  • Detection of mumps virus RNA in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples.

Main Results:

  • A single mumps virus genotype, genotype G, was identified circulating during the study period.
  • Mumps virus RNA was detected in CSF samples from patients with meningitis, indicating viral invasion of the central nervous system.
  • Younger individuals were disproportionately affected by neurological sequelae, with a mean age of 19.25 years for those with mumps virus RNA in CSF.
  • A four-fold increase in mumps cases was observed in 2008-2009, with a higher incidence in individuals aged 30 years and older.
  • Out of 7,805 serum samples tested, 1,813 (23%) were positive for mumps virus-specific IgM, indicating acute infection.
  • A significant male predominance was observed in acute mumps virus infections, irrespective of vaccination status (P < 10(-32)).

Conclusions:

  • The study highlights the continued circulation of genotype G mumps virus in Ireland and its association with outbreaks, particularly among young adults.
  • Neurological complications, such as meningitis, are a significant concern, disproportionately affecting younger individuals.
  • The findings suggest potential waning immunity or vaccine effectiveness issues, necessitating ongoing surveillance and potentially updated vaccination strategies.
  • The observed male bias in infection warrants further investigation into potential underlying biological or behavioral factors.

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