Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 28, 2026

Detection of Infectious Virus from Field-collected Mosquitoes by Vero Cell Culture Assay
Published on: June 9, 2011
Mumps outbreak in university students: first detection of mumps virus genotype F in Borneo
Siat Yee Fong1,2, Daisuke Mori3,4, Jecelyn Leaslie John1
1Borneo Medical and Health Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Jalan UMS, 88400, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia.
Background:
In October 2016, a mumps outbreak occurred among the students living in the on-campus dormitory of a public university located in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia. This study aimed to investigate the outbreak and identify the genotype of the mumps virus (MuV) strain that was involved in the outbreak.
Main Body:
During the outbreak, one 21-year-old and four 20-year-old males staying in the same dormitory building were reported to have developed symptoms of mumps. Of these, two students were available during the investigation for sample collection to detect MuV by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) of the 639-bp fragment encompassing the entire small hydrophobic (SH) gene. Nucleotide sequencing of the amplicon and phylogenetic analysis using the neighbor-joining method was performed to determine the MuV genotype. Of the two buccal swab samples, one was positive for MuV. The MuV strain in this sample belonged to genotype F and it was clustered together with genotype F strains from China with 96.84-99.68% nucleotide identity.
Conclusions:
Genotype F has limited circulation and is endemic in mainland China. Genotype F strains occasionally reported from other countries were epidemiologically linked to China. This study is the first to report a case of genotype F MuV in Malaysia and no epidemiological link could be established with mainland China. The results provide important information that can assist in strategic planning to improve the prevention and control of mumps infection in Malaysia.
Insights
A mumps outbreak in Malaysia was investigated, identifying the mumps virus (MuV) strain as genotype F. This finding is significant as it
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- A mumps outbreak occurred in a Malaysian university dormitory in October 2016.
- The outbreak involved male students residing in the same building.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mumps outbreak.
- To identify the genotype of the mumps virus (MuV) involved.
Main Methods:
- Detected MuV using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).
- Performed nucleotide sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of the small hydrophobic (SH) gene.
- Determined MuV genotype using the neighbor-joining method.
Main Results:
- One of two buccal swab samples tested positive for MuV.
- The identified MuV strain belonged to genotype F.
- The Malaysian genotype F strain clustered with strains from China, showing 96.84-99.68% nucleotide identity.
Conclusions:
- This is the first report of genotype F MuV in Malaysia.
- No epidemiological link to mainland China was established for this case.
- Findings aid in planning mumps prevention and control strategies in Malaysia.

