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Mumps virus: a comprehensive review
1Normandie Univ, UniRouen, EA2656, CHU de Rouen, Laboratoire de virologie, 1, rue de Germont, 76031 Rouen, France.
Abstract:
Once very common in children, mumps virus infection is now much rarer thanks to vaccination, recommended in the majority of countries in the world. This virus of the family Paramyxoviridae has a marked tropism for glandular tissues which explains the great diversity of pathologies related to this virus, including parotitis, orchitis or meningitis. Due to the lower circulation of the virus, the proportion of infected adults increases. A surveillance system for mumps virus infections at the national and international levels is organized, particularly at the molecular level. In France, it is provided by the national reference center for Measles, Mumps and Rubella. Although it has led to a significant reduction in the number of cases, the long-term effectiveness of mumps vaccination is questionable. The nature of the vaccine strains and the lack of regular stimulation of populations by circulating wild viruses may explain, in part, the decrease in immunity over time. Thus, the vaccination recommandations could evolve in the future to reach eradication in a medium or long term.
Insights
Mumps virus infections are now rare in children due to vaccination, but waning immunity raises concerns about long-term vaccine effectiveness and potential future changes in recommendations for mumps control.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Public Health
Background:
- Mumps virus (Paramyxoviridae family) historically caused common childhood infections.
- Vaccination has significantly reduced mumps incidence globally, with recommendations in most countries.
- The virus targets glandular tissues, leading to diverse pathologies like parotitis, orchitis, and meningitis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current status of mumps virus infection surveillance.
- To discuss the long-term effectiveness of mumps vaccination.
- To explore factors influencing waning immunity and potential future vaccination strategies.
Main Methods:
- Review of epidemiological data and surveillance systems for mumps virus.
- Analysis of factors potentially affecting vaccine effectiveness and duration of immunity.
- Discussion of current vaccination policies and potential future recommendations.
Main Results:
- Mumps virus infections are significantly rarer in vaccinated populations.
- An increasing proportion of adult infections are observed due to decreased virus circulation.
- Long-term effectiveness of current mumps vaccination is questioned, with potential waning immunity.
Conclusions:
- Waning immunity may be linked to vaccine strain characteristics and lack of natural boosting.
- Enhanced surveillance, particularly molecular, is crucial for monitoring mumps virus.
- Future vaccination strategies may need to evolve to achieve long-term control or eradication of mumps.
