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Updated: Mar 13, 2026
Simultaneous Isolation of Principal Central Nervous System-Resident Cell Types from Adult Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis Mice
Published on: October 6, 2023
Deep sequencing reveals persistence of cell-associated mumps vaccine virus in chronic encephalitis
Sofia Morfopoulou1, Edward T Mee2, Sarah M Connaughton2
1Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, Cruciform Building, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK. sofia.morfopoulou.10@ucl.ac.uk.
Abstract:
Routine childhood vaccination against measles, mumps and rubella has virtually abolished virus-related morbidity and mortality. Notwithstanding this, we describe here devastating neurological complications associated with the detection of live-attenuated mumps virus Jeryl Lynn (MuVJL5) in the brain of a child who had undergone successful allogeneic transplantation for severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID). This is the first confirmed report of MuVJL5 associated with chronic encephalitis and highlights the need to exclude immunodeficient individuals from immunisation with live-attenuated vaccines. The diagnosis was only possible by deep sequencing of the brain biopsy. Sequence comparison of the vaccine batch to the MuVJL5 isolated from brain identified biased hypermutation, particularly in the matrix gene, similar to those found in measles from cases of SSPE. The findings provide unique insights into the pathogenesis of paramyxovirus brain infections.
Insights
Live-attenuated mumps virus Jeryl Lynn (MuVJL5) caused chronic encephalitis in a child with severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID). Immunocompromised individuals should not receive live-attenuated vaccines.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Neurology
Background:
- Routine childhood vaccination has significantly reduced measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) related diseases.
- Live-attenuated vaccines are generally safe and effective for immunocompetent individuals.
Observation:
- A child with severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) developed severe neurological complications post-allogeneic transplantation.
- Live-attenuated mumps virus Jeryl Lynn (MuVJL5) was detected in the child's brain biopsy.
Findings:
- This is the first confirmed case of MuVJL5 causing chronic encephalitis.
- Deep sequencing revealed biased hypermutation in the MuVJL5 matrix gene, similar to measles virus in SSPE.
- Vaccine batch sequencing confirmed the origin of the brain-isolated virus.
Implications:
- Highlights the risk of live-attenuated vaccines in immunocompromised patients.
- Suggests the need to exclude individuals with immunodeficiency from live-attenuated vaccine administration.
- Provides insights into paramyxovirus neuroinvasion and pathogenesis.
