Mumps | Mumps virus | Pathology, diagnosis and treatment

Summary

This video explains the mumps virus, a highly contagious infection caused by the rubulavirus from the paramyxovirus family. The virus primarily spreads through respiratory droplets and can cause symptoms like swelling of the parotid glands (parotitis). Other complications include orchitis, meningitis, encephalitis, and pancreatitis. The video details the virus’s structure, replication process, and how it spreads throughout the body. It also highlights the importance of vaccination with the MMR vaccine, which has significantly reduced mumps cases globally. Supportive care is the primary treatment, and early diagnosis can help prevent severe outcomes.

Takeaways

• 😀 Mumps virus is highly contagious and primarily spreads through respiratory droplets during coughing or sneezing.
• 😀 The incubation period for mumps ranges from 16 to 18 days, but it can last up to 25 days.
• 😀 A key symptom of mumps is the swelling of the parotid salivary glands, often asymmetrically (one side of the face).
• 😀 Mumps is caused by the paramyxovirus, specifically the rubulavirus, which is a negative-sense single-stranded RNA virus.
• 😀 The virus enters cells by binding to specific receptors and fusing with the host cell membrane, releasing RNA for replication.
• 😀 The replication process of the mumps virus involves generating both positive- and negative-sense RNA, leading to the production of new viral particles.
• 😀 Clinical features of mumps include parotitis (salivary gland inflammation), orchitis (testicular inflammation), and possible meningitis, pancreatitis, and oophoritis (ovary inflammation).
• 😀 Parotitis is the most common symptom, often causing tenderness and difficulty swallowing or chewing.
• 😀 Diagnosis of mumps is based on clinical signs, with confirmation through serology (antibody detection) or PCR tests.
• 😀 Treatment for mumps is generally supportive, including pain management and isolation, with antibiotics used only for secondary infections.
• 😀 The MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella) significantly reduces mumps incidence, helping to prevent outbreaks globally.

Q & A

What is the primary cause of mumps?

Mumps is caused by the mumps virus, which belongs to the paramyxovirus family, specifically the rubulavirus.

How is the mumps virus transmitted?

The mumps virus is primarily transmitted through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It can also spread through direct contact with saliva or respiratory secretions.

What is the typical incubation period for mumps?

The incubation period for mumps is typically between 16 and 18 days, though it can occasionally last up to 25 days.

What is the hallmark symptom of mumps infection?

The hallmark symptom of mumps is swelling of the parotid glands, which are the salivary glands, often occurring asymmetrically (on one side more than the other).

What are the main complications associated with mumps?

Complications of mumps can include orchitis (testicular inflammation), oophoritis (ovarian inflammation), pancreatitis, meningitis, and encephalitis.

How does the mumps virus enter and infect host cells?

The mumps virus enters host cells by binding to specific receptors on the cell surface. Its hemagglutinin protein helps the virus attach to the host cell, and its fusion protein facilitates the fusion of the viral envelope with the host cell membrane, allowing the virus to enter the cell.

What happens to the viral RNA once inside the host cell?

Once inside the host cell, the mumps virus's negative-sense RNA is replicated into positive-sense RNA, which is then used to produce more viral proteins and RNA. This process creates new virus particles that are eventually released from the cell.

How is mumps diagnosed?

Mumps is diagnosed based on clinical symptoms, particularly the swelling of the parotid glands. It can be confirmed through serology to detect mumps-specific antibodies or PCR-based tests to identify the virus's genetic material.

What treatments are available for mumps?

Treatment for mumps is mostly supportive, focusing on symptom relief. Analgesics can be used for pain, and antibiotics may be prescribed if secondary bacterial infections occur. Hospitalization is rarely required, except in severe cases.

How can mumps be prevented?

Mumps can be prevented by vaccination with the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine, which contains live attenuated viruses. This vaccine has significantly reduced the incidence of mumps globally.