Mumps virus

Definition

The mumps virus is an RNA virus belonging to the Paramyxoviridae family, known for causing mumps, a contagious viral infection characterized by swelling of the parotid glands. This virus is an important member of the paramyxovirus group, which also includes other significant human pathogens, illustrating the diversity and impact of this family on public health.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The mumps virus primarily spreads through respiratory droplets and can remain infectious on surfaces for several hours.
2. Symptoms of mumps typically appear 16-18 days after exposure and may include fever, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, and swollen salivary glands.
3. Complications from mumps can include orchitis (inflammation of the testicles), oophoritis (inflammation of the ovaries), and meningitis.
4. The introduction of the MMR vaccine has significantly reduced the incidence of mumps globally, but outbreaks still occur in under-vaccinated populations.
5. Mumps virus has a characteristic ability to cause cell fusion, leading to syncytia formation, which is a key feature observed in infected tissue samples.

Review Questions

• How does the mumps virus spread, and what are the primary symptoms associated with infection?
  • The mumps virus spreads primarily through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can also be transmitted through direct contact with infected surfaces. Primary symptoms of mumps include fever, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, and most notably, swelling of the parotid glands, which can lead to a classic 'chipmunk-like' appearance.
• Discuss the role of the MMR vaccine in controlling mumps outbreaks and its importance in public health.
  • The MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, and rubella, plays a crucial role in controlling mumps outbreaks by providing immunity to individuals. Vaccination has led to a dramatic decrease in mumps cases worldwide. However, outbreaks still occur in populations with lower vaccination rates, emphasizing the importance of maintaining high vaccination coverage to prevent resurgence and protect community health.
• Evaluate the potential complications arising from mumps infection and how they may affect different demographics.
  • Complications from mumps can be serious and vary across different demographics. In males, orchitis can occur, potentially impacting fertility, while females may experience oophoritis. Both genders are at risk for viral meningitis as a complication. These outcomes highlight the importance of vaccination and awareness about the disease's potential effects beyond initial symptoms, particularly for adolescents and adults who are at a higher risk for complications.

Related terms

Paramyxoviridae: A family of viruses that includes several significant human pathogens, such as mumps virus and measles virus, characterized by their pleomorphic shape and single-stranded RNA genome.

Vaccine: A biological preparation that provides active acquired immunity to a particular infectious disease; the mumps vaccine is often given in combination with measles and rubella vaccines (MMR).

Cytopathic effect: The structural changes in host cells that are caused by viral invasion; the mumps virus can lead to cell fusion and multinucleated giant cells in infected tissues.