Related Experiment Videos
Mumps orchitis: report of a mini-epidemic
R Casella1, B Leibundgut, K Lehmann
1Urologic Clinics, Department of Surgery, University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland.
Purpose:
The incidence of mumps orchitis has declined dramatically since the introduction of vaccination. While in the past cases of mumps have only been seen occasionally at our institution, recently there has been a sharp increase in the number of confirmed cases.
Materials And Methods:
Between June 1995 and April 1996, 11 patients with severe mumps orchitis were hospitalized at our clinic. Medical history, therapeutic measures and clinical outcome were recorded for each patient.
Results:
All patients showed marked scrotal swelling with a temperature above 38.5 C. Serum C-reactive protein was significantly elevated (mean 140 mg./l.). The vaccination status of 1 of the 11 patients (9%) was unknown. Medical records from the remaining 10 patients indicated that they had not been vaccinated. Nine patients (82%) had a typical mumps parotitis preceding the orchitis. In 2 patients the clinical diagnosis of parotitis was uncertain but mumps serology was positive. None of the patients showed other manifestations of mumps. Antibodies to the mumps virus (IgG and IgM) were determined in 6 patients and positive in all cases. The average interval between parotitis and onset of orchitis was 10 days. All patients were hospitalized for an average of 6 days. Treatment included bed rest with local cooling, scrotal support and systemic treatment with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Ciprofloxacin or clavulanic acid/amoxicillin was administered as bacterial orchitis could not be excluded at initial presentation. The mean time to cessation of fever was 3.6 days (range 3 to 5). Antibiotics were administered for an average of 8.8 days (range 7 to 13) and anti-inflammatory drugs were given an average of 8.6 days (range 7 to 11). One patient required scrotal exploration.
Conclusions:
Since the introduction of a vaccine against the mumps virus there is a diminished risk for mumps and its complications. However, in case of scrotal swelling mumps orchitis should still be considered. Despite vaccination mumps has not been erradicated. Therefore, continued vaccination should be considered an important step in minimizing clinical outbreaks and working towards a possible eradication of this disease in the future.
Insights
Despite widespread vaccination, a recent increase in mumps orchitis cases highlights the need for continued vigilance. Mumps orchitis remains a concern, emphasizing ongoing vaccination efforts to prevent outbreaks and work towards eradication.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Virology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Mumps orchitis incidence has significantly decreased due to mumps virus vaccination.
- A recent resurgence of mumps cases has been observed, prompting investigation into complications like orchitis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients hospitalized with severe mumps orchitis.
- To assess the role of vaccination status in recent mumps orchitis cases.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 11 hospitalized patients with severe mumps orchitis (June 1995 - April 1996).
- Data collected included medical history, treatment, and clinical outcomes.
- Mumps virus serology (IgG and IgM) was performed on available samples.
Main Results:
- All 11 patients presented with severe scrotal swelling and elevated C-reactive protein.
- Ten of 11 patients (91%) were unvaccinated or had unknown vaccination status.
- Mumps parotitis preceded orchitis in 82% of cases, with a mean interval of 10 days.
Conclusions:
- Mumps orchitis should remain a consideration in differential diagnoses for scrotal swelling, even in vaccinated populations.
- The study underscores that mumps has not been eradicated despite vaccination.
- Continued mumps virus vaccination is crucial for minimizing outbreaks and pursuing disease eradication.