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Antigen-Capture Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay for Specific Detection of Mycoplasma pneumoniae
Published on: February 24, 2023
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Mumps outbreak and laboratory diagnosis
Mylène Maillet1, Eric Bouvat2, Nicole Robert2
1Infectious Diseases Department, Grenoble University Hospital, France.
Summary
Mumps diagnosis in vaccinated individuals is difficult. Real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) is more reliable than serological tests for confirming mumps infection during outbreaks.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Mumps outbreaks occur in highly vaccinated populations.
- Serological tests for mumps may be less reliable in vaccinated individuals.
- Challenges in diagnosing mumps in vaccinated patients necessitate improved diagnostic strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate a mumps outbreak in an engineering school in Grenoble, France.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of biological testing for mumps diagnosis.
- To analyze mumps virus genotype during the outbreak.
Main Methods:
- Case definitions were based on World Health Organization (WHO) criteria.
- Mumps-specific IgM and IgG were detected using commercially available enzyme immunoassays (EIA).
- Mumps RNA was detected using real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and genotyping was performed.
Main Results:
- Sixty-two mumps cases were identified; 20 were biologically explored, with 17 confirmed.
- A high proportion of patients (85.2%) had received two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.
- RT-PCR confirmed mumps in 83% of cases, while IgM tests were positive or equivocal in only 45%.
Conclusions:
- Laboratory diagnosis of mumps in highly vaccinated populations presents significant challenges.
- Serological test results in vaccinated patients require cautious interpretation.
- RT-PCR testing is recommended for confirming mumps infection, especially early in an outbreak.
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