Related Experiment Videos
Recurrent mumps parotitis following natural infection and immunization
Abstract:
Mumps is presumed to confer permanent immunity. Three patients previously known to possess mumps serum antibodies subsequently developed clinical parotitis and showed a diagnostic fourfold rise in mumps V antibody. A review of the literature disclosed several cases of parotitis, either recurrent or postimmunization, but the preparotitis immune status of the patient was unknown or the cause of the mumps was not verified. Case reports of parotitis due to parainfluenza 3 and coxsackie viruses A and the heterotypic serological responses among the myxoviruses are reviewed. Parotitis, especially after prior immunization, requires definitive diagnosis by viral isolation and/or serology before it can be attributed to mumps virus.
Insights
Mumps typically provides lifelong immunity. However, three patients with existing mumps antibodies developed clinical parotitis, indicating mumps reinfection is possible and requires diagnostic confirmation.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Mumps is generally considered to confer permanent immunity following infection or vaccination.
- Recurrent or post-immunization parotitis cases have been reported in medical literature.
Observation:
- Three patients with documented pre-existing mumps serum antibodies developed clinical parotitis.
- These patients exhibited a diagnostic fourfold rise in mumps virus (V) antibody titers.
- Previous literature reviews noted unknown pre-parotitis immune status or unverified mumps etiology in similar cases.
Findings:
- Mumps reinfection can occur even in individuals with pre-existing mumps antibodies.
- Differential diagnosis of parotitis is crucial, considering other viral agents like parainfluenza 3 and coxsackie viruses.
- Heterotypic serological responses within the myxovirus family can complicate diagnosis.
Implications:
- Clinical parotitis, particularly in immunized individuals, necessitates definitive etiological diagnosis.
- Viral isolation and/or serological testing are essential to confirm mumps virus as the causative agent.
- This challenges the assumption of absolute lifelong immunity against mumps reinfection.