Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 14, 2026
Dissecting Host-virus Interaction in Lytic Replication of a Model Herpesvirus
Published on: October 7, 2011
Virulence and persistence of three prototype strains of mumps virus in newborn hamsters
Abstract:
Neuroadapted mumps virus (NMV) produces widespread central nervous system (CNS) disease and death after intracerebral (i.c.) inoculation of newborn hamsters. After intraperitoneal (i.p.) inoculation, NMV causes disseminated disease, moderate mortality and it persists in CNS tissues. Low tissue culture passage isolates of wild mumps virus do not establish CNS infection after i.p. inoculation; after i.c. inoculation they cause limited though persistent infection with little acute mortality. The biological behavior of a highly passaged vaccine strain of mumps virus (Jeryl-Lynn) is more similar to NMV than to the wild strain in its behavior in the newborn hamster.
Insights
Neuroadapted mumps virus (NMV) causes severe central nervous system (CNS) disease and death in hamsters. Vaccine strains, like Jeryl-Lynn, mimic NMV
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Neuroscience
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Mumps virus can cause central nervous system (CNS) infections.
- Different strains of mumps virus exhibit varying neurovirulence and disease patterns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the neurovirulence of neuroadapted mumps virus (NMV) with wild-type and vaccine strains in a newborn hamster model.
- To investigate the impact of inoculation route (intracerebral vs. intraperitoneal) on disease outcome.
Main Methods:
- Newborn hamsters were inoculated intracerebrally (i.c.) or intraperitoneally (i.p.) with NMV, wild mumps virus isolates, or the Jeryl-Lynn vaccine strain.
- Disease progression, mortality, and viral persistence in CNS tissues were monitored.
Main Results:
- NMV caused widespread CNS disease and high mortality after i.c. inoculation, and disseminated disease with CNS persistence after i.p. inoculation.
- Wild mumps virus isolates caused limited CNS infection and low mortality, regardless of inoculation route.
- The Jeryl-Lynn vaccine strain exhibited biological behavior more similar to NMV than to wild-type strains in the hamster model.
Conclusions:
- Neuroadapted mumps virus (NMV) is highly neurovirulent in newborn hamsters.
- The Jeryl-Lynn vaccine strain shares biological characteristics with NMV, suggesting potential for neurovirulence.
- Inoculation route significantly influences the disease outcome and CNS involvement of mumps virus strains.
