Mumps Virus
| Categorization | |
|---|---|
| Class: Paramyxoviruses | |
| Genome: RNA Virus, Negative ssRNA Virus | Structure: Enveloped Virus |
| Transmission |
|---|
- Mumps Virus is spread via respiratory and salivary secretions.
| Pathogenesis |
|---|
- Like all paramyxoviruses, mumps virus initially inoculates and replicates in the upper respiratory tract. Subsequently, it hematogenously disseminates to a variety of organs but primarily causes disease in the salivary glands, testes, and CNS.
| Clinical Consequences |
|---|
- Overview
- Many cases of mumps are subclinical but usually come to clinical attention due to the following clinical consequences.
- Sialadenitis:
- Usually affects the parotid gland and results in its visible swelling at the angle of the jaw.
- Orchitis:
- Can occur in post-pubertal men usually when they are young adults and results in enlargement of the testes. Resultant stretching of the tunica albuginea results in extreme testicular pain. Because inflammation is usually unilateral, infertility is not common.
- Asceptic Meningitis:
- Is typified by CSF Pleocytosis with primarily lymphocytes.
- Encephalitis:
- Is an extremely rare complication.
| Prevention |
|---|
- Attenuated Mumps Virus is part of the MMR Vaccine and results in excellent immunity.