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Infectious disease and microbiology – Mumps
Mumps is a viral infection primarily affecting children, characterized by painful swelling of the parotid glands. Although usually mild and self-limited, it can lead to complications such as orchitis, pancreatitis, and aseptic meningitis, especially in adults.
The disease occurs worldwide and is caused by an enveloped RNA virus from the Paramyxoviridae family (genus Rubulavirus). Transmission occurs through direct contact with respiratory secretions of infected individuals.
Mumps most commonly affects children aged 5–9 years, although about one-third of cases occur in individuals older than 15 years. Widespread vaccination programs have significantly reduced incidence, particularly in developed countries. However, outbreaks can still occur, especially in crowded settings such as college campuses, even among vaccinated populations.
The incubation period ranges from 14 to 21 days, and up to 30–40% of infections may be asymptomatic. Symptomatic patients typically present with fever, malaise, headache, and painful swelling of the parotid glands, which develops within the first few days. Swelling is often bilateral and may be worsened by eating sour foods. Symptoms usually resolve within one week.
On physical examination, parotid enlargement leads to obliteration of the mandibular angle and upward displacement of the ear. Other salivary glands may occasionally be involved.
Complications can occur, particularly in post-pubertal individuals.
Orchitis affects up to 30% of post-pubertal males, presenting with testicular pain, swelling, and fever.
In females, oophoritis and mastitis may occur.
Aseptic meningitis is relatively common but typically self-limited.
Other complications include transient hearing loss, pancreatitis, and rarely encephalitis.
Diagnosis is usually clinical, based on characteristic features. Laboratory findings may include leukopenia and elevated serum amylase.
Confirmation can be achieved with serologic testing (IgM/IgG ELISA) or PCR detection of viral RNA from saliva, cerebrospinal fluid, or urine.
There is no specific antiviral treatment for mumps. Management is supportive and includes rest, hydration, and analgesics.
In cases of orchitis, additional measures such as scrotal elevation, cold compresses, and NSAIDs are recommended.
Prevention relies on vaccination, typically given as part of the MMR (measles–mumps–rubella) vaccine, administered in childhood with two doses. Isolation of infected individuals for 5 days after onset of parotitis helps limit transmission.
The prognosis is generally excellent, with lifelong immunity after infection.
Complications are uncommon but may include testicular atrophy, reduced sperm counts, hearing loss, encephalitis, and, rarely, permanent neurologic damage.
In pregnancy, mumps infection has been associated with fetal complications, including low birth weight and fetal loss.
Mumps is a viral infection primarily affecting children, characterized by painful swelling of the parotid glands. Although usually mild and self-limited, it can lead to complications such as orchitis, pancreatitis, and aseptic meningitis, especially in adults.
The disease occurs worldwide and is caused by an enveloped RNA virus from the Paramyxoviridae family (genus Rubulavirus). Transmission occurs through direct contact with respiratory secretions of infected individuals.
Mumps most commonly affects children aged 5–9 years, although about one-third of cases occur in individuals older than 15 years. Widespread vaccination programs have significantly reduced incidence, particularly in developed countries. However, outbreaks can still occur, especially in crowded settings such as college campuses, even among vaccinated populations.
The incubation period ranges from 14 to 21 days, and up to 30–40% of infections may be asymptomatic. Symptomatic patients typically present with fever, malaise, headache, and painful swelling of the parotid glands, which develops within the first few days. Swelling is often bilateral and may be worsened by eating sour foods. Symptoms usually resolve within one week.
On physical examination, parotid enlargement leads to obliteration of the mandibular angle and upward displacement of the ear. Other salivary glands may occasionally be involved.
Complications can occur, particularly in post-pubertal individuals.
Orchitis affects up to 30% of post-pubertal males, presenting with testicular pain, swelling, and fever.
In females, oophoritis and mastitis may occur.
Aseptic meningitis is relatively common but typically self-limited.
Other complications include transient hearing loss, pancreatitis, and rarely encephalitis.
Diagnosis is usually clinical, based on characteristic features. Laboratory findings may include leukopenia and elevated serum amylase.
Confirmation can be achieved with serologic testing (IgM/IgG ELISA) or PCR detection of viral RNA from saliva, cerebrospinal fluid, or urine.
There is no specific antiviral treatment for mumps. Management is supportive and includes rest, hydration, and analgesics.
In cases of orchitis, additional measures such as scrotal elevation, cold compresses, and NSAIDs are recommended.
Prevention relies on vaccination, typically given as part of the MMR (measles–mumps–rubella) vaccine, administered in childhood with two doses. Isolation of infected individuals for 5 days after onset of parotitis helps limit transmission.
The prognosis is generally excellent, with lifelong immunity after infection.
Complications are uncommon but may include testicular atrophy, reduced sperm counts, hearing loss, encephalitis, and, rarely, permanent neurologic damage.
In pregnancy, mumps infection has been associated with fetal complications, including low birth weight and fetal loss.
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