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Local immunity in mumps meningitis
Abstract:
Titers of antibodies to mumps and measles virus and interferon activity were measured in sera and CSF obtained from 15 children with mumps meningitis. Antibody to mumps virus was found in 11 of 15 CSF samples. Evaluation of the CSF-serum ratio for antibodies to both viruses showed a substantially higher ratio for antibody to mumps virus. The ratio of IgG/IgM antibody activity to mumps virus was greater in CSF than in sera. These results could be attributed to antibody synthesis, particularly IgG, in the CNS. Titers of antibodies to mumps virus in CSF increased rapidly, reaching a peak four to ten days from onset of meningitis, and swiftly decreased thereafter. During the acute phase, interferon activity was found in almost all cases ranging from 16 to 128 IU/mL in sera, and 4 to 16 IU/mL in CSF. In cases of mumps meningitis that followed the usual clinical course, interferon disappeared within a week, whereas it persisted in the CSF in cases of persistent pleocytosis.
Insights
This study found significant mumps virus antibody synthesis within the central nervous system (CNS) of children with mumps meningitis. Interferon activity was also detected during the acute phase, correlating with disease course.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Immunology
- Virology
Background:
- Mumps meningitis is a common cause of viral meningitis in children.
- Understanding the immune response within the central nervous system (CNS) is crucial for managing this condition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate antibody and interferon responses in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum of children with mumps meningitis.
- To determine if antibody synthesis occurs within the CNS during mumps meningitis.
Main Methods:
- Collected sera and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from 15 children diagnosed with mumps meningitis.
- Measured antibody titers to mumps and measles viruses.
- Assessed interferon activity in both CSF and serum samples.
- Calculated CSF-serum ratios for antibody activity and IgG/IgM antibody ratios.
Main Results:
- Antibodies to mumps virus were detected in 11 out of 15 CSF samples.
- Significantly higher CSF-serum ratios for mumps virus antibodies, particularly IgG, suggest local antibody synthesis in the CNS.
- CSF antibody titers peaked 4-10 days post-onset and then declined.
- Interferon activity was present in most acute cases, with levels higher in serum than CSF.
- Interferon persisted in CSF in cases with persistent pleocytosis.
Conclusions:
- Evidence supports intrathecal (within the CNS) antibody synthesis, predominantly IgG, in mumps meningitis.
- Interferon plays a role in the acute phase response to mumps meningitis.
- The duration of interferon presence may correlate with ongoing inflammation in the CNS.