Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 22, 2025
Author Spotlight: A Cost-Effective Genomic Workflow for Advancing Rabies Control in Resource-Limited Settings
Published on: August 18, 2023
Molecular characterization and genetic diversity of mumps virus genotype G in Pakistan during the 2023 outbreaks
Hina Fatima1, Muhammad Salman2, Zunera Jamal2
1Molecular Virology Lab, Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan.
Abstract:
Mumps, despite being a vaccine-preventable disease, poses a significant public health challenge globally. In Pakistan, the absence of mumps vaccination in the national immunization program, coupled with limited epidemiological and surveillance data, presents a concerning scenario. This study investigates the molecular epidemiology of the Mumps virus (MuV) during the 2023 outbreaks, focusing on the genetic variability of the small hydrophobic (SH) gene, a key determinant for viral evolution and genotyping. Buccal swabs were collected from suspected patients presenting swollen parotid glands during the outbreak periods. Out of 62 mumps suspects, 40 (64.5 %) samples tested positive for MuV through RT-PCR. The incidence rate of positive cases was higher in males (70 %) than in females (30 %), with the highest incidence observed in early childhood (0-5 year-old) infants. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that all the specimens belonged to genotype G, with 97.4 % homology with genotype G of MuV isolates from Spain and up to 98.73 % with Japan, and UK. This research study underscores Pakistan's vulnerability to mumps outbreaks due to the absence of mumps vaccine in the national immunization program and highlights the need for effective surveillance systems for Mumps in the country.
Insights
Mumps outbreaks in Pakistan are concerning due to the lack of national vaccination. This study identified Mumps virus genotype G in 2023 outbreaks, highlighting the need for better surveillance and vaccine programs.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Mumps is a vaccine-preventable disease posing global health challenges.
- Pakistan lacks mumps vaccination in its national immunization program, leading to limited data.
- This absence creates a concerning scenario for mumps outbreaks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the molecular epidemiology of Mumps virus (MuV) during 2023 outbreaks in Pakistan.
- To analyze the genetic variability of the small hydrophobic (SH) gene for viral evolution and genotyping.
- To understand the genetic relatedness of circulating MuV strains to global isolates.
Main Methods:
- Collection of buccal swabs from suspected mumps cases during outbreak periods.
- Detection of MuV using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).
- Phylogenetic analysis of the small hydrophobic (SH) gene for genotyping and homology assessment.
Main Results:
- 40 out of 62 (64.5%) suspected cases tested positive for MuV.
- Higher incidence rates were observed in males (70%) and infants aged 0-5 years.
- All identified MuV strains belonged to genotype G, showing high homology with international isolates.
Conclusions:
- Pakistan is vulnerable to mumps outbreaks due to the lack of a national vaccine.
- The circulating genotype G strains are genetically similar to international MuV isolates.
- Effective mumps surveillance systems are crucial for public health in Pakistan.
Related Concept Videos
00:36Viral Mutations
00:57Viral Recombination