What is Mumps?
It is a contagious viral infection which is easily transmitted via coughing, sneezing, talking, sharing items, or touching surfaces that contain respiratory droplets or saliva on them (like cups or utensils). It is caused by Rubulavirus which belongs to family Paramyxoviridae. It is characterized by swelling of one or more salivary glands mostly parotid glands; with other flu-like symptoms such as headache, fever, and muscle aches.
What is Mumps IgG antibodies (serum) lab test?
This is a laboratory test for diagnosis of mumps by detecting IgG antibodies (the proteins released by immune system after several weeks of infection and provides long-term immunity against infection) released against mumps virus or vaccine. IgG antibodies help detect convalescent or prior infections.
Why is Mumps IgG antibodies (serum) lab test done?
This test is done:
- To confirm if you are immune to the mumps virus due to previous infection or vaccination
- To detect, monitor & track outbreaks for public health purposes
- What is meant by positive mumps IgG?
It means that there is detectable amount of IgG antibodies found in serum sample which indicate prior exposure to mumps virus or immunization
- How is mumps infection detected?
If you are having current onset of mumps infection and facing symptoms, then IgM antibody test is indicated. IgM antibody in serum confirm a current or very recent infection or reinfection.
- How is mumps immunity test done?
It can be done via IgG antibody test, which helps doctor determine if a person is immune to mumps virus by previous infection or vaccine
- How long will you feel ill in mumps infection?
Its symptoms develop after 14 to 25 days of being infected & its average incubation period is 17 days.
- How is mumps prevented?
The best way is by vaccination to mumps. Its vaccine is given as combined MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) inoculation which is the most safest and effective form of each vaccine.
INTERPRETATION OF THE RESULTS:
Its reference ranges are:
- Positive if “> or = 1.1 AI”: the presence of detectable IgG antibodies shows past exposure to mumps infection or immunization (vaccinated). These individuals are immune to mumps virus.
- Negative if “< or = 0.8 AI”: there is absence of detectable IgG antibodies which means that no past exposure to mumps virus occurred, or there is lack of specific immune response to immunization, or unvaccinated.
- Equivocal: this shows that unclear results were found, and you are supposed to submit additional specimen after 10 to 14 days for testing. Also, if you have been very recently vaccinated.
You must get tested for determination of postimmunization immune response in individuals who’ve taken mumps vaccine. It also helps in documentation of previous mumps infection in patients with no previous record of immunization to mumps virus.