Mumps virus

The mumps virus is a member of the paramyxovirus group and the etiological agent of mumps in man. Mumps is a generalized illness usually accompanied by parotid (salivary gland) swelling and mild symptoms. It is also one of the most common causes of aseptic meningitis, encephalitis, and inflammation of the testes (orchitis), pancreas, and ovaries.

Infection with mumps virus, whether symptomatic or subclinical, is generally thought to offer lifelong immunity. Anti-Mumps virus IgM appear 2- 3 days after the occurrence of the first clinical symptoms (these remain 2-3 months), followed by the production of Mumps IgG antibodies which persist lifelong. Following vaccination with live virus there is a seroconversion in 90% of cases, however, the titre is somewhat lower than in normal infections.

ELISA is as sensitive as the neutralization test and more sensitive than CF and HAI which makes it a reliable test for determination of immune status.