Molecular detection and characterisation of mumps virus in cerebrospinal fluid in a Gauteng laboratory

The study aimed to determine the presence of mumps virus (MuV) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) specimens and to genetically characterise detected MuV strains. A real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to detect the MuV F gene, and characterisation was performed by sequencing of the SH gene. Mumps virus was detected in 1.2% (3/260) of specimens. Phylogenetic analysis of one MuV strain revealed that it clustered with the Jeryl-Lynn and RIT4385 vaccine strains. As far as the authors could ascertain this is the first study to provide viral proof that these vaccine-like strains may be associated with aseptic meningitis.