Mumps genotypes circulating in Tamilnadu: A cross-sectional study

Mumps is an acute viral infection marked by fever and swelling of the parotid glands. While effective live-attenuated vaccines have significantly reduced mumps cases in developed nations, outbreaks persist in developing regions with limited vaccination coverage. The mumps virus, a member of the Paramyxoviridae family, encodes eight proteins, including structural and non-structural ones. This study explores the epidemiology and genetic variation of the mumps virus in Tamil Nadu, India. Clinical specimens from suspected cases were analyzed using serological assays, real-time PCR, and Sanger sequencing, focusing on the SH gene, a critical genomic region for mumps virus genotype differentiation. The sequencing revealed amino acid substitutions in the clinical sample when compared with reference strains. Phylogenetic analysis highlighted the genetic diversity of the virus, indicating variations in the SH gene. These findings enhance understanding of MuV's epidemiology in India and highlight its relevance to global mumps epidemiology, especially in regions with suboptimal vaccine coverage. This research emphasizes the importance of continuous molecular surveillance and genetic analysis to monitor the evolution of MuV, improve vaccination strategies, and address challenges posed by outbreaks in resource-limited settings.