Mumps Outbreak Among a Highly Vaccinated University Community-New York City, January-April 2014

Online survey of university students' perception, awareness and adherence to COVID-19 prevention measures

BACKGROUND

Determining factors correlated with protective measures against COVID-19 is important to improve public health response. This study describes student opinions related to university COVID-19 preventive measures.

METHODS

In fall 2020, 643 US university students completed an online survey on perception, awareness, and adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures. Outcomes included protocol effectiveness (self or others), protocol adherence (self or others), consequences of protocol violation, knowledge of violations, and level of concern for COVID-19. Multiple linear regression models determined correlates of outcome variables. Covariates included gender, race, residence, area of study, class, and knowledge of someone with a positive COVID-19 test.

RESULTS

Overall, students agreed with protective measures (equivalent to higher scores). In adjusted linear models, females (versus males) had significantly higher scores for protocol effectiveness (self) (p < 0.001), consequences of protocol violation (p = 0.005), and concern about COVID-19 (p < 0.001). Asian/Pacific Islander (versus white) had significantly higher scores for protocol effectiveness (self) (p < 0.001), consequences of protocol violation (p = 0.008), and concern about COVID-19 (p = 0.001). Graduate students (versus freshman) had higher scores for protocol effectiveness (self) (p < 0.001), protocol adherence (self) (p = 0.004) and concern about COVID-19 (p < 0.001). In contrast, participants who had a positive COVID-19 test had significantly lower scores for protocol effectiveness (self) (p = 0.02), protocol adherence (self) (p = 0.004), and consequences of protocol violation (p = 0.008).

CONCLUSION

Overall, females, Asian/Pacific Islanders, and graduate students were more likely to agree with or adhere to COVID-19 prevention guidelines but those who tested positive for COVID-19 were less likely to do so. These results may inform future prevention efforts.

Introduction of Two-Dose Mumps-Containing Vaccine into Routine Immunization Schedule in Quzhou, China, Using Cox-Proportional Hazard Model

Mumps is a vaccine-preventable disease caused by the mumps virus, but the incidence of mumps has increased among the children who were vaccinated with one-dose measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) in recent years. In this study, we analyzed the influence of different doses of mumps-containing vaccine (MuCV) against mumps using Cox-proportional hazard model. We collected 909 mumps cases of children who were born from 2006 to 2010 and vaccinated with different doses of MuCV in Quzhou during 2006-2018, which were all clinically diagnosed. Kaplan-Meier survival methods and Cox-proportional hazard model were used to estimate the hazard probabilities. Kaplan-Meier curves showed that the cumulative hazard of male and female has no difference; lower hazards were detected among those who were vaccinated with two-dose MuCV, born in 2006, and infected after supplementary immunization activities (SIA). Cox-proportional hazard regression suggested that onset after SIA, born in 2006, and vaccinated with two-dose MuCV were protective factors against infection even after adjusting for potential confounding effects. Our study showed that it was necessary to revise the diagnostic criteria of mumps and identify RT-PCR as the standard for mumps diagnosis in China. We suggested that routine immunization schedule should introduce two doses of MMR and prevaccination screening should be performed before booster immunization in vaccinated populations.

Mumps Orchitis: Clinical Aspects and Mechanisms

The causative agent of mumps is a single-stranded, non-segmented, negative sense RNA virus belonging to the Paramyxoviridae family. Besides the classic symptom of painfully swollen parotid salivary glands (parotitis) in mumps virus (MuV)-infected men, orchitis is the most common form of extra-salivary gland inflammation. Mumps orchitis frequently occurs in young adult men, and leads to pain and swelling of the testis. The administration of MuV vaccines in children has been proven highly effective in reducing the incidence of mumps. However, a recent global outbreak of mumps and the high rate of orchitis have recently been considered as threats to male fertility. The pathogenesis of mumps orchitis remains largely unclear due to lack of systematic clinical data analysis and animal models studies. The alarming increase in the incidence of mumps orchitis and the high risk of the male fertility have thus become a major health concern. Recent studies have revealed the mechanisms by which MuV-host cells interact and MuV infection induces inflammatory responses in testicular cells. In this mini-review, we highlight advances in our knowledge of the clinical aspects and possible mechanisms of mumps orchitis.

Mumps outbreaks across Canada, 2016 to 2018

BACKGROUND

An increase in mumps incidence was observed in late 2016 (365 cases in 2016 compared to 59 cases in 2015). This unusual level of mumps activity prompted the Public Health Network Council and the National Advisory Committee on Immunization to request situation awareness updates from the Centre for Immunization and Respiratory Infectious Diseases (CIRID) at the Public Health Agency of Canada in 2017 and 2018.

METHODS

A mumps outbreak survey was developed and administered by epidemiologists within CIRID and sent electronically to provincial and territorial public health officials in charge of mumps surveillance. The survey collected information on mumps outbreaks pertaining to demographics, risk factors, laboratory data and public health interventions. The first survey collected data on outbreaks occurring between January 1, 2016 and February 28, 2017, while the second survey contained outbreak data from January 1, 2017 to July 31, 2018. Duplicate outbreaks entries were removed.

RESULTS

The response rate for the first and second surveys was 61% and 69%, respectively. Twenty-four mumps outbreaks across nine provinces were reported between January 1, 2016 and July 31, 2018, for a cumulative total of 881 mumps cases. Adolescents and adults 15 to 39 years of age accounted for the majority of cases (80.6%). Specifically, adults 20 to 24 years of age represented the largest proportion of cases (24.6%). Community and social gatherings were the most common exposure setting (62.5%). Slightly more than one third of cases were known to have received at least two doses of mumps-containing vaccine (35.6%).

CONCLUSION

Results from the surveys indicate that the increase in mumps activity was widespread throughout Canada, affecting multiple jurisdictions. Young adults accounted for the largest proportion of cases. These surveys provided evidence to support recommendations on the use of additional mumps vaccination in outbreak settings.

High risk of mumps infection in children who received one dose of mumps-containing vaccine: waning immunity to mumps in children aged 2-5 years from kindergartens in Jiangsu Province, China

BACKGROUND

During the period of immunization with a single-dose measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, which has been available since 2008in China, the incidence of mumps in children aged 2-5 years has been high. The aim of this study was to determine the immunity profile of mumps in children aged 2-5 years as part of the assessment of the MMR vaccination strategy.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey of IgG antibodies against mumps virus in children aged 2-5 years was performed. Analysis by enzyme-linked immune sorbent assay(ELISA)was performed to measure IgG antibodies against mumps virus in the sera of 2-to5-year-old children who had been vaccinated with at least one dose of MMR vaccine.

RESULTS

Mumps outbreaks mainly occurred in kindergarten and primary schools and primarily involved children in kindergarten from 2015-2016 in Jiangsu Province. In total, 4,033 children were surveyed. The overall seroprevalence of mumps antibodies was 79.0% (95% CI:78.4-79.6), and the geometric mean concentration (GMC) was 323.6 mIU/ml (309.0-338.8). Both univariate and multivariate survival analysis of seroprevalence showed that several factors contributed to having significant seroprevalence among the 2-to-5-year-old group (P < .05). The seroprevalence of children with a single-dose MMR vaccine regimen (78.4%, 95% CI: 77.8-80.4) was significantly lower than that of children with a two-dose MMR vaccine regimen (96.5%, 95% CI: 88.6%-96.1%). The seroprevalence rate was negatively correlated with time since inoculation (P < .01).

CONCLUSION

Children who received a single dose of MMR vaccine in kindergarten, particularly the 2-year-old group in the northern region of Jiangsu Province, China, are at high risk of mumps infection. Our study demonstrates thata single-dose MMR vaccine regimen has a limited effect on controlling mumps, which highlights the benefit of introducing a two-dose MMR vaccine schedule.

Roles of Sialic Acid, AXL, and MER Receptor Tyrosine Kinases in Mumps Virus Infection of Mouse Sertoli and Leydig Cells

The mumps virus (MuV) causes epidemic parotitis. MuV also frequently infects the testis and induces orchitis, an important etiological factor contributing to male infertility. However, mechanisms underlying MuV infection of the testis remain unknown. Here, we describe that sialic acid, AXL, and MER receptor tyrosine kinases regulate MuV entry and replication in mouse major testicular cells, including Sertoli and Leydig cells. Sialic acid, AXL, and MER were present in Sertoli and Leydig cells. Sialic acid specifically mediated MuV entry into Sertoli and Leydig cells, whereas both AXL and MER facilitated MuV replication within cells through the inhibition of cellular innate antiviral responses. Mechanistically, the inhibition of type 1 interferon signaling by AXL and MER is essential for MuV replication in Sertoli and Leydig cells. Our findings provide novel insights into the mechanisms behind MuV infection and replication in the testis.

Mumps: an Update on Outbreaks, Vaccine Efficacy, and Genomic Diversity

Mumps is an acute viral infection characterized by inflammation of the parotid and other salivary glands. Persons with mumps are infectious from 2 days before through 5 days after parotitis onset, and transmission is through respiratory droplets. Despite the success of mumps vaccination programs in the United States and parts of Europe, a recent increase in outbreaks of mumps virus infections among fully vaccinated populations has been reported. Although the effectiveness of the mumps virus component of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is suboptimal, a range of contributing factors has led to these outbreaks occurring in high-vaccination-coverage settings, including the intensity of exposure, the possibility of vaccine strain mismatch, delayed implementation of control measures due to the timeliness of reporting, a lack of use of appropriate laboratory tests (such as reverse transcription-PCR), and time since last vaccination. The resurgence of mumps virus infections among previously vaccinated individuals over the past decade has prompted discussions about new strategies to mitigate the risk of future outbreaks. The decision to implement a third dose of the MMR vaccine in response to an outbreak should be considered in discussions with local public health agencies. Traditional public health measures, including the isolation of infectious persons, timely contact tracing, and effective communication and awareness education for the public and medical community, should remain key interventions for outbreak control. Maintaining high mumps vaccination coverage remains key to U.S. and global efforts to reduce disease incidence and rates of complications.

Effects of extreme meteorological factors on daily mumps cases in Hefei, China, during 2011-2016

Mumps remains one of the worldwide major health problems over the past decade. Seasonal variations of mumps indicate that meteorological factors play an important role in the development of mumps, but few studies have investigated the relationship between extreme meteorological factors and the incidence of mumps. Daily mumps cases and meteorological factors in Hefei, China, from 2011 to 2016 were obtained. A generalized additive model combined with the distributed lag nonlinear model (DLNM) was used to quantify the risk of extreme meteorological factors on mumps incidence. Nonlinear relationships were observed among all meteorological factors and mumps incidence. We found that extremely low and high temperatures increased the risk of mumps. The relative risks (RRs) of the cumulative effects along 30 lag days were 2.02 (95%CI: 1.14-3.56) and 2.42 (95%CI: 1.37-4.24), respectively. Both short and long sunshine duration had negative correlation on mumps, with cumulative RRs of 0.64 (95%CI: 0.46-0.92) and 0.57 (95%CI: 0.44-0.74), respectively. In the subgroup analysis, males were found to be more sensitive to extreme weather, especially extreme temperatures and sunshine duration. This study suggests that extreme meteorological factors, especially extreme temperatures and sunshine duration, exert a significant impact on the incidence of mumps. When formulating and implementing effective strategies to the prevention and control of mumps, authorities should take the effect caused by extreme meteorological factors into consideration and pay more attention to susceptible populations, such as male children and teenagers.

Genomic non-coding regions reveal hidden patterns of mumps virus circulation in Spain, 2005 to 2015

Since mumps vaccination was introduced in 1981 in Spain, the incidence of the disease has dropped significantly. However, cyclic epidemic waves and outbreaks still occur, despite high vaccination coverage. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends genotyping to trace the pattern of mumps virus (MuV) circulation. Genotype H was predominant in Spain, but was replaced in 2005 by genotype G which has subsequently remained dominant. Of the small hydrophobic protein gene sequences, 78% are identical and belong to the MuVi/ Sheffield.GBR.1.05/[G]-variant. Aim: Our study aimed to investigate whether the circulation of MuV strains in Spain was continuous after the emergence of genotype G in 2005. Method: We obtained 46 samples from Spanish patients infected with MuVi/Sheffield.GBR.1.05/[G] during two epidemic waves and analysed them using new molecular markers based on genomic non-coding regions (NCRs) that discriminate subvariants of this virus strain. Results: Phylogenetic analyses of the nucleoprotein–phosphoprotein and matrix protein–fusion protein NCR indicated strain replacement after a drop in incidence in 2009, which had not been detectable by SH sequencing. Clustering of sequences from patients epidemiologically linked in the same outbreak suggests a potential use for these NCRs in outbreak characterisation. Conclusion: We suggest to consider their use in conjunction with the SH gene in the future WHO recommendations for MuV epidemiological surveillance.

Evaluating the use of whole genome sequencing for the investigation of a large mumps outbreak in Ontario, Canada

In 2017 Ontario experienced the largest mumps outbreak in the province in 8 years, at a time when multiple outbreaks were occurring across North America. Of 259 reported cases, 143 occurred in Toronto, primarily among young adults. Routine genotyping of the small hydrophobic gene indicated that the outbreak was due to mumps virus genotype G. We performed a retrospective study of whole genome sequencing of 26 mumps virus isolates from early in the outbreak, using a tiling amplicon method. Results indicated that two of the cases were genetically divergent, with the remaining 24 cases belonging to two major clades and one minor clade. Phylogeographic analysis confirmed circulation of virus from each clade between Toronto and other regions in Ontario. Comparison with other genotype G strains from North America suggested that the presence of co-circulating major clades may have been due to separate importation events from outbreaks in the United States. A transmission network analysis performed with the software program TransPhylo was compared with previously collected epidemiological data. The transmission tree correlated with known epidemiological links between nine patients and identified new potential clusters with no known epidemiological links.

Mumps virus infection disrupts blood-testis barrier through the induction of TNF-α in Sertoli cells

Mumps virus (MuV) has high tropism to the testis and may lead to male infertility. Sertoli cells are the major targets of MuV infection. However, the mechanisms by which MuV infection impairs male fertility and Sertoli cell function remain unclear. The present study elucidated the effect of MuV infection on the blood-testis barrier (BTB). The transepithelial electrical resistance of MuV-infected mouse Sertoli cells was monitored, and the expression of major proteins of the BTB was examined. We demonstrated that MuV infection disrupted the BTB by reducing the levels of occludin and zonula occludens 1. Sertoli cells derived from Tlr2^-/- and Tnfa^-/- mice were analyzed for mediating MuV-induced impairment. TLR2-mediated TNF-α production by Sertoli cells in response to MuV infection impaired BTB integrity. MuV-impaired BTB was not observed in Tlr2^-/- and Tnfa^-/- Sertoli cells. Moreover, an inhibitor of TNF-α, pomalidomide, prevents the disruption of BTB in response to MuV infection. FITC-labeled biotin tracing assay confirmed that BTB permeability and spermatogenesis were transiently impaired by MuV infection in vivo. These findings suggest that the disruption of the BTB could be one of the mechanisms underlying MuV-impaired male fertility, in which TNF-α could play a critical role.-Wu, H., Jiang, X., Gao, Y., Liu, W., Wang, F., Gong, M., Chen, R., Yu, X., Zhang, W., Gao, B., Song, C., Han, D. Mumps virus infection disrupts blood-testis barrier through the induction of TNF-α in Sertoli cells.

The Clinical Impact and Cost-effectiveness of Measles-Mumps-Rubella Vaccination to Prevent Measles Importations Among International Travelers From the United States

BACKGROUND

Measles importations and the subsequent spread from US travelers returning from abroad are responsible for most measles cases in the United States. Increasing measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccination among departing US travelers could reduce the clinical impact and costs of measles in the United States.

METHODS

We designed a decision tree to evaluate MMR vaccination at a pretravel health encounter (PHE), compared with no encounter. We derived input parameters from Global TravEpiNet data and literature. We quantified Riskexposure to measles while traveling and the average number of US-acquired cases and contacts due to a measles importation. In sensitivity analyses, we examined the impact of destination-specific Riskexposure, including hot spots with active measles outbreaks; the percentage of previously-unvaccinated travelers; and the percentage of travelers returning to US communities with heterogeneous MMR coverage.

RESULTS

The no-encounter strategy projected 22 imported and 66 US-acquired measles cases, costing $14.8M per 10M travelers. The PHE strategy projected 15 imported and 35 US-acquired cases at $190.3M per 10M travelers. PHE was not cost effective for all international travelers (incremental cost-effectiveness ratio [ICER] $4.6M/measles case averted), but offered better value (ICER <$100 000/measles case averted) or was even cost saving for travelers to hot spots, especially if travelers were previously unvaccinated or returning to US communities with heterogeneous MMR coverage.

CONCLUSIONS

PHEs that improve MMR vaccination among US international travelers could reduce measles cases, but are costly. The best value is for travelers with a high likelihood of measles exposure, especially if the travelers are previously unvaccinated or will return to US communities with heterogeneous MMR coverage.

[Orchitis]

Orchitis can be acutely symptomatic or chronically asymptomatic. Among the acute forms is the rarer isolated orchitis, which is of viral origin in most cases as well as the more frequent secondary orchitis, which is usually the result of an ascending bacterial epididymitis. In addition, sterile forms of orchitis are also seen in patients with systemic autoimmune comorbidities. Chronic asymptomatic orchitis is the term used to describe cellular immune infiltrates in the testes, which are observed in approximately 25% of cases of azoospermia during testicular biopsy. The etiopathogenesis of these infiltrates is largely unknown with postinfection and primary pathogen-independent autoimmune reactions being discussed. Animal experimental models of orchitis may be helpful to investigate the immunological mechanisms involved as well as the therapeutic possibilities.

Infectious, inflammatory and 'autoimmune' male factor infertility: how do rodent models inform clinical practice?

BACKGROUND

Infection and inflammation of the reproductive tract are significant causes of male factor infertility. Ascending infections caused by sexually transmitted bacteria or urinary tract pathogens represent the most frequent aetiology of epididymo-orchitis, but viral, haematogenous dissemination is also a contributory factor. Limitations in adequate diagnosis and therapy reflect an obvious need for further understanding of human epididymal and testicular immunopathologies and their contribution to infertility. A major obstacle for advancing our knowledge is the limited access to suitable tissue samples. Similarly, the key events in the inflammatory or autoimmune pathologies affecting human male fertility are poorly amenable to close examination. Moreover, the disease processes generally have occurred long before the patient attends the clinic for fertility assessment. In this regard, data obtained from experimental animal models and respective comparative analyses have shown promise to overcome these restrictions in humans.

OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE

This narrative review will focus on male fertility disturbances caused by infection and inflammation, and the usefulness of the most frequently applied animal models to study these conditions.

SEARCH METHODS

An extensive search in Medline database was performed without restrictions until January 2018 using the following search terms: 'infection' and/or 'inflammation' and 'testis' and/or 'epididymis', 'infection' and/or 'inflammation' and 'male genital tract', 'male infertility', 'orchitis', 'epididymitis', 'experimental autoimmune' and 'orchitis' or 'epididymitis' or 'epididymo-orchitis', antisperm antibodies', 'vasectomy'. In addition to that, reference lists of primary and review articles were reviewed for additional publications independently by each author. Selected articles were verified by each two separate authors and discrepancies discussed within the team.

OUTCOMES

There is clear evidence that models mimicking testicular and/or epididymal inflammation and infection have been instructive in a better understanding of the mechanisms of disease initiation and progression. In this regard, rodent models of acute bacterial epididymitis best reflect the clinical situation in terms of mimicking the infection pathway, pathogens selected and the damage, such as fibrotic transformation, observed. Similarly, animal models of acute testicular and epididymal inflammation using lipopolysaccharides show impairment of reproduction, endocrine function and histological tissue architecture, also seen in men. Autoimmune responses can be studied in models of experimental autoimmune orchitis (EAO) and vasectomy. In particular, the early stages of EAO development showing inflammatory responses in the form of peritubular lymphocytic infiltrates, thickening of the lamina propria of affected tubules, production of autoantibodies against testicular antigens or secretion of pro-inflammatory mediators, replicate observations in testicular sperm extraction samples of patients with 'mixed atrophy' of spermatogenesis. Vasectomy, in the form of sperm antibodies and chronic inflammation, can also be studied in animal models, providing valuable insights into the human response.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS

This is the first comprehensive review of rodent models of both infectious and autoimmune disease of testis/epididymis, and their clinical implications, i.e. their importance in understanding male infertility related to infectious and non-infectious/autoimmune disease of the reproductive organs.

Diagnostic Yield of Laboratory Methods and Value of Viral Genotyping during an Outbreak of Mumps in a Partially Vaccinated Population in British Columbia, Canada

Mumps remains endemic in North America despite routine use of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. In 2016, an outbreak of mumps in British Columbia, Canada, provided an opportunity to determine the diagnostic utility of laboratory testing methods. Specimens from patients with clinical mumps were tested for infection using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for antibody detection and an in-house reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR) targeting viral fusion and small hydrophobic (SH) genes. Viral genotyping was performed by SH gene sequencing. Laboratory data was linked with epidemiologic case data. Of the 139 confirmed cases, 94 (68%) had reported or documented history of MMR vaccination. Specimens were typically collected 1 day (for buccal and IgM tests) or 2 days (for urine tests) after symptom onset. Most confirmed cases (69%) were confirmed by buccal swab RT-PCR. Among cases tested by multiple methods, the percent positivity for buccal swab RT-PCR was 90% (96/107) compared to 43% (30/69) for both IgM ELISA and urine RT-PCR. Mumps IgM detection was higher in confirmed cases with no history of vaccination than in those with history (64% versus 34%, P = 0.02). The outbreak strain was identified as genotype G related to MuVi/Sheffield.GBR/1.05 but with conserved variations in five nucleotides within the SH gene that allowed linkage of geographically distinct cases. In conclusion, RT-PCR of buccal specimens had the highest diagnostic yield during a mumps outbreak in a partially vaccinated population. To optimize mumps diagnostic potential, clinicians should collect specimens depending on when the patient presents for care and their immunization history.

Vaccination Perceptions of College Students: With and without Vaccination Waiver

Introduction

The resurgence of vaccine preventable diseases occurs more often among intentionally unvaccinated individuals, placing at direct risk young adults not caught up on vaccinations. The objectives of this study were to characterize the sociodemographic characteristics of young adults with and without vaccination waivers and identify their perceived benefits, barriers, and influencers of vaccination.

Methods

Young adults (n = 964) from a Midwestern rural university responded to a survey (fall 2015-spring 2016) designed to identify their perception toward vaccination. Instrument consistency was measured using the Cronbach α-scores. The Chi-square test was used to test any sociodemographic differences and Mann-Whitney U-tests results for differences between exempt and non-exempt students. Analysis occurred in spring 2017.

Results

A little over one-third of young adults with a vaccination waiver were not up to date on their vaccinations, and think that vaccinations can cause autism. The biggest identifiable benefit was effective control against disease. The surveyed young adults ranked the out of pocket cost associated with vaccination as the most important barrier and safe and easy to use vaccines as the most important influencer of vaccination.

Conclusion

Young adults who have had a vaccination waiver appear to not be up to date on their vaccinations. Vaccine administration programs, such as university campus clinics, would benefit from addressing perceptions unique to young adults with and without a vaccine waiver. This would subsequently better provide young adults a second shot for getting appropriately caught up on vaccinations.