Mumps virus (Paramyxoviridae: <i>Orthorubulavirus: Mumps orthorubulavirus</i>) genotyping as a component of laboratory confirmation of infection

Abstract

Mumps is a viral infection of high social significance. National program Elimination of measles and rubella and achievement of a stable sporadic incidence of epidemic mumps in the Russian Federation (20212025) sets the aim of gradual integration of mumps surveillance into the existing measles and rubella surveillance system. One of the key components of surveillance system is a laboratory confirmation of mumps cases. There are two approaches for laboratory confirmation of mumps cases, based on serological or molecular genetic methods. The aim of the work is molecular genetic characteristic of the mumps viruses (MuVs) circulated in the Russian Federation in 2022. Samples of swabs from the inner surface of the cheek of 11 patients with mumps were collected for the study. Viral RNA was isolated directly from the samples. The isolated RNA was used as a matrix for RT-PCR. PCR products were sequenced using the Sanger method, and phylogenetic analysis was performed using the MEGA-X software. The MuV genotype G was detected in all samples. Phylogenetic analysis showed the presence of two virus genetic groups G-1 and G-2 that were significantly different from the viruses circulating in other countries. The identification of two MuV genetic groups in a limited area suggests a high genetic diversity of the pathogen.