Molecular characterization of Mumps virus circulating in Odisha in 2024

Recent years have witnessed a notable rise in mumps cases globally, despite the availability of vaccination. This study aims to identify the consistent mutations in mumps virus strains isolated from Odisha in 2024, which may have contributed to the increased transmission of mumps in the country.

A study was conducted involving 32 mumps patients aged 0-45 years who visited a tertiary care hospital in Eastern India. All oropharyngeal swab samples collected from patients underwent RNA extraction, followed by cDNA synthesis. Thereafter, the viral SH gene underwent PCR amplification, and the positive samples were processed for sequencing. A phylogenetic tree was constructed utilizing the MEGA software for identification of viral genotype. Moreover, the current viral SH gene sequences underwent alignment with global sequences utilizing the Clustal W tool for mutational analysis. An in-silico analysis has also been conducted to elucidate the functional implications of any consistent mutation.

All current mumps isolates are classified under genotype C and formed a unique cluster within the phylogenetic tree. Moreover, the entire SH protein sequence was conserved across all global genotype C strains, with the notable exception of the Y44S substitution. Additionally, the in-silico analysis revealed that the above mutation may alter the flexibility of the secondary structure of the SH protein. Furthermore, this mutation is anticipated to be located in the exposed region of the protein, increasing the likelihood of interactions with host or viral protein binding partners, which may either facilitate in virus replication or help in evading the host immune response.

The results of this study emphasize the potential role of the identified mutation in influencing the SH protein function of the genotype C strains. This particular mutation requires additional exploration for the development of novel antivirals aimed at addressing the disease in future.