Mumps Virus Antibodies, IgG, Serum

Mumps is an enveloped, single stranded RNA virus belonging to the family paramyxoviridae, which causes an acute infectious disease mainly in children and young adults. Transmission is by droplet spread, and humans are the only known host. Mumps is highly infectious and spreads rapidly in susceptible people living in close proximity. The incubation period from infection to appearance of the characteristic swelling of the parotid glands is 15-24 days. The infectious period starts several days before the onset of parotitis and continues for several days afterwards. Complications of mumps can be serious and include the following: Orchitis in a proportion of postpubertal young men, Oophoritis in 5% of postpubertal young women, Aseptic meningitis, Encephalitis, Permanent unilateral deafness, Pancreatitis, Arthritis, thyroiditis, myocarditis, and, very rarely, hepatitis and increased risk of miscarriage in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.

Significant rise in mumps specific immunoglobulin IgG titres between acute and convalescent serum samples indicate infection with the virus. Positive IgG antibody levels in the absence of current clinical symptoms may indicate immunity (vaccination or previous exposure).

1 ml Serum Stability: 14 Days at 2-8 °C

Negative: < 1/40 Titre <20 Borderline: 20-25 Positive >25 U/ml