Serologic testing for mumps virus is used for the laboratory diagnosis of infection with this virus, the documentation of previous infection with mumps in individuals with no previous vaccination history, and for the determination of immune response in humans.
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Mumps is a member of the Paramyxovirus family (single-stranded RNA viruses), which also includes measles virus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and parasitic viruses. Mumps virus is the causative agent of mumps (mumps or epidemic mumps).
Mumps has a worldwide spread. Mumps virus is transmitted from person to person by saliva droplets or direct contact with saliva-contaminated objects. Unvaccinated children between the ages of 2 and 12 constitute the group with the most common infections, but infection can occur in other age groups.
The incubation period is usually 12-26 days. Mumps virus initially infects the epithelial cells of the upper respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract or eyes. After its initial proliferation, the virus causes viremia, after which mumps is the main manifestation of the disease. Less frequently, the main manifestation of the disease is meningitis. Painful swelling of salivary glands (typically mumps on one or both sides) and fever are the most typical symptoms of the disease. Painful testicular swelling and rash may also occur. The fever lasts for 3-5 days and can reach up to 39 ° C.
Complications of the disease include infections of various glands (other salivary glands, massive mammary glands, testes, ovaries, pancreas and prostate). Orchitis (testicular enlargement) may occur in boys after puberty who come in contact with the mumps virus, but infertility as a result of orchitis is a rare complication. In the elderly, the central nervous system, pancreas, prostate, breasts and other organs may be affected. Infection of the pancreas by the virus is painful and accompanied by nausea and vomiting.
Important Note
Laboratory test results are the most important parameter for the diagnosis and monitoring of all pathological conditions. 70%-80% of diagnostic decisions are based on laboratory tests. Correct interpretation of laboratory results allows a doctor to distinguish "healthy" from "diseased".
Laboratory test results should not be interpreted from the numerical result of a single analysis. Test results should be interpreted in relation to each individual case and family history, clinical findings and the results of other laboratory tests and information. Your personal physician should explain the importance of your test results.
At Diagnostiki Athinon we answer any questions you may have about the test you perform in our laboratory and we contact your doctor to get the best possible medical care.
