Related Experiment Videos
Chronic mumps virus encephalitis. Mumps antibody levels in cerebrospinal fluid
Abstract:
To study the outcome of mumps virus encephalitis 47 patients were contacted 1-15 years after the acute encephalitis associated with mumps virus infection. Twenty-three patients experienced clinical sequelae such as difficulties in memory and learning, focal motor or sensory signs, and loss of hearing and visual acuity. Lumbar puncture was performed on 8 patients. Antibodies to mumps virus were detected in 6 cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) specimens using enzyme immunoassay and in 3 patients an abnormal serum/CSF antibody ratio was observed 11, 26 and 58 (controls greater than 85); 14.3, 1.4 and 6.1 years after the acute encephalitis, respectively. Antibodies to other microbes were either undetectable in the CSF or the serum/CSF ratios were normal. The clinical sequelae in about half of the patients and the signs of intrathecal mumps antibody production are suggestive of a chronic process in the central nervous system after encephalitis associated with mumps virus infection.
Insights
Mumps virus encephalitis can lead to long-term neurological issues in nearly half of patients. Evidence suggests a chronic central nervous system process, indicated by intrathecal mumps antibody production.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Virology
- Immunology
Background:
- Mumps virus infection can cause encephalitis, a serious inflammation of the brain.
- The long-term neurological outcomes and underlying mechanisms following mumps encephalitis are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the long-term clinical sequelae of mumps virus encephalitis.
- To assess for evidence of ongoing central nervous system (CNS) inflammation and intrathecal antibody production in patients with a history of mumps encephalitis.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 47 patients was contacted 1-15 years post-encephalitis.
- Clinical outcomes were evaluated, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was analyzed for mumps virus antibodies using enzyme immunoassay.
- Serum/CSF antibody ratios were calculated to detect intrathecal antibody production.
Main Results:
- Nearly half of the patients (23/47) experienced significant clinical sequelae, including memory/learning difficulties, focal neurological signs, and sensory impairments.
- Mumps virus-specific antibodies were detected in the CSF of 6 out of 8 patients tested.
- Three patients showed abnormal serum/CSF antibody ratios, indicating intrathecal mumps antibody production, years after the acute infection.
Conclusions:
- Mumps virus encephalitis is associated with substantial long-term neurological deficits in a significant proportion of individuals.
- The presence of intrathecal mumps antibody production suggests a persistent or chronic inflammatory process within the CNS following mumps encephalitis.
- These findings highlight the potential for long-lasting neurological impact and ongoing CNS activity after mumps virus infection of the brain.