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Mumps disease and vaccination in Africa: A scoping review
Irene Gobe1, Thabiso Mogowa2, Khutsafalo Kadimo3
1Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, School of Allied Health Professions, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana.
Abstract:
Mumps, though often self-limiting, can cause serious complications such as meningitis, orchitis, infertility, deafness, and seizures. Despite rising cases in Africa, most countries do not vaccinate against mumps. This review compiled available evidence on mumps in Africa, focusing on morbidity, mortality, vaccine safety, transmission, and molecular characterization. A systematic search across major databases identified 22 relevant studies published between 1994 and 2024. Nearly half of the studies (45%; n = 10/22) were published in the most recent period (2018-2024), indicating increased research interest in recent years. Of the 22 included articles, 37% examined seroprevalence and incidence, 21% transmission and seroprevalence factors, 17% vaccine safety, 17% vaccination in HIV-positive individuals, and 8% molecular data. Reported seroprevalence ranged from 5 to 88.8% in children and exceeded 90% in adults. The MMR vaccine is generally safe but should be used cautiously in those immunocompromised or have allergic reactions to gelatin. Evidence of antibody loss after HAART in HIV-positive children supports re-vaccination. High seroprevalence without immunization suggests widespread natural infection. It is possible that mumps complications are underreported and under-investigated because of the presumed self-limiting nature of mumps infection. This underscores the need to include mumps vaccination in African immunization programs.
Insights
Mumps outbreaks are rising in Africa, yet vaccination is low. This review highlights the need for mumps vaccination in African immunization programs due to high infection rates and potential complications.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
- Vaccinology
Background:
- Mumps, a viral illness, can lead to severe complications like meningitis and infertility.
- Despite rising cases in Africa, mumps vaccination is not widely implemented in most countries.
- Existing research on mumps in Africa is limited, hindering effective public health strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and synthesize available evidence on mumps epidemiology, morbidity, mortality, and vaccine safety in Africa.
- To assess the current status of mumps transmission, seroprevalence, and molecular characterization across the continent.
- To inform policy decisions regarding the inclusion of mumps vaccination in African national immunization programs.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search of major databases for studies published between 1994 and 2024.
- Inclusion of 22 relevant studies focusing on seroprevalence, incidence, transmission, vaccine safety, and molecular data.
- Analysis of study data to determine trends in research interest and key findings related to mumps in Africa.
Main Results:
- Research interest in mumps in Africa has significantly increased, with nearly half of the studies published since 2018.
- Reported mumps seroprevalence varied widely, from 5% in children to over 90% in adults.
- The Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine is generally safe, with considerations for immunocompromised individuals and those with allergies.
Conclusions:
- High seroprevalence suggests widespread natural mumps infection in Africa, potentially leading to underreported complications.
- The safety profile of the MMR vaccine supports its use, with specific recommendations for HIV-positive children.
- Integrating mumps vaccination into African immunization programs is crucial to prevent complications and control outbreaks.
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