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Updated: Dec 3, 2025
Dissecting Host-virus Interaction in Lytic Replication of a Model Herpesvirus
Published on: October 7, 2011
[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 adult cases are increasing. Long-term vaccine effectiveness is questioned, potentially requiring updated recommendations for mumps eradication.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Mumps virus (Paramyxoviridae family) causes diverse pathologies like parotitis, orchitis, and meningitis.
- Vaccination has significantly reduced mumps incidence in children globally.
- Increased proportion of adult infections observed due to lower virus circulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the current epidemiology of mumps virus infections.
- To evaluate the long-term effectiveness of mumps vaccination.
- To discuss potential future vaccination strategies for mumps eradication.
Main Methods:
- Surveillance of mumps virus infections at national and international levels.
- Molecular-level monitoring of viral circulation.
- Analysis of vaccination effectiveness and population immunity trends.
Main Results:
- Mumps is now rarer in children due to widespread vaccination programs.
- A notable increase in adult mumps cases has been observed.
- Concerns exist regarding the waning long-term effectiveness of current mumps vaccines.
Conclusions:
- The decrease in immunity over time may be linked to vaccine strains and lack of natural viral stimulation.
- Updated vaccination recommendations may be necessary for sustained mumps control and potential eradication.
- Continued surveillance, especially molecular, is crucial for monitoring mumps virus trends.
