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Comparison of circulation patterns of mumps virus in the Netherlands and Spain (2015-2020)
Ana M Gavilán1,2, Linda van de Nes-Reijnen3, Ana Castellanos1,2
1Centro Nacional de Microbiología (CNM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain.
Background:
Mumps is a viral infection mainly characterized by inflammation of the parotid glands. Despite of vaccination programs, infections among fully vaccinated populations were reported. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends molecular surveillance of mumps based on sequencing of the small hydrophobic (SH) gene. The use of hypervariable non-coding regions (NCR) as additional molecular markers was proposed in multiple studies. Circulation of mumps virus (MuV) genotypes and variants in different European countries were described in the literature. From 2010 to 2020, mumps outbreaks caused by genotype G were described. However, this issue has not been analyzed from a wider geographical perspective. In the present study, sequence data from MuV detected in Spain and in The Netherlands during a period of 5 years (2015- March 2020) were analyzed to gain insights in the spatiotemporal spread of MuV at a larger geographical scale than in previous local studies.
Methods:
A total of 1,121 SH and 262 NCR between the Matrix and Fusion protein genes (MF-NCR) sequences from both countries were included in this study. Analysis of SH revealed 106 different haplotypes (set of identical sequences).
Results:
Of them, seven showing extensive circulation were considered variants. All seven were detected in both countries in coincident temporal periods. A single MF-NCR haplotype was detected in 156 sequences (59.3% of total), and was shared by five of the seven SH variants, as well as three minor MF-NCR haplotypes. All SH variants and MF-NCR haplotypes shared by both countries were detected first in Spain.
Discussion:
Our results suggest a transmission way from south to north Europe. The higher incidence rate of mumps in Spain in spite of similar immunization coverage in both countries, could be associated with higher risk of MuV exportation. In conclusion, the present study provided novel insights into the circulation of MuV variants and haplotypes beyond the borders of single countries. In fact, the use of MF-NCR molecular tool allowed to reveal MuV transmission flows between The Netherlands and Spain. Similar studies including other (European) countries are needed to provide a broader view of the data presented in this study.
Insights
Mumps virus (MuV) genotype G circulated widely in Spain and The Netherlands between 2015-2020. Analysis revealed a potential transmission route from Spain to The Netherlands, highlighting the utility of non-coding regions for tracking viral spread.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Epidemiology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Mumps is a viral infection causing parotid gland inflammation, with reported cases in vaccinated populations.
- The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends molecular surveillance using the small hydrophobic (SH) gene for mumps virus (MuV).
- Hypervariable non-coding regions (NCR) are proposed as additional molecular markers for MuV surveillance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the spatiotemporal spread of MuV across a wider geographical scale.
- To analyze MuV circulation and variants in Spain and The Netherlands from 2015 to March 2020.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 1,121 SH gene sequences and 262 MF-NCR sequences from Spain and The Netherlands.
- Identification and comparison of MuV haplotypes and variants between the two countries.
Main Results:
- Seven SH variants and multiple MF-NCR haplotypes were identified, with all seven SH variants detected in both countries.
- A single MF-NCR haplotype was prevalent and shared by most SH variants.
- All identified SH variants and shared MF-NCR haplotypes were first detected in Spain.
Conclusions:
- Results suggest a South to North European transmission route for MuV, potentially from Spain to The Netherlands.
- Higher mumps incidence in Spain may increase MuV exportation risk.
- The MF-NCR marker effectively revealed MuV transmission flows between countries, supporting broader European surveillance.
