[Lymphocytic meningitis by mumps virus: epidemiologic, clinical, serologic and evolutive analysis of 28 cases].

BACKGROUND

Mumps is a viral infection which is particularly found in children and adolescents and one of its manifestations is as lymphocytary meningitis. The aim of this study was to analyze the clinical, epidemiologic and serologic characteristics of the cases of meningitis by the mumps virus (MMV) observed during an epidemic of mumps.

METHODS

Twenty-eight cases of MMV diagnosed from December 1, 1994 to August 31, 1995 during an epidemic of mumps in the south of the province of Badajoz (Spain) were analyzed. Demographic, clinical, analytical and evolutive data were obtained.

RESULTS

Cases predominated in the winter and summer in adolescents and youths (mean age 16.9 years) with a male:female relationship of 3:1. On admission most patients presented fever, headache, and parotid hypertrophy. Orchitis was observed in half of the males. No case of encephalitis was seen. Hyperproteinorrhachia was observed in the cephalorrhachidian fluid of 79% of the cases and hypoglucorrhachia was found in only two patients (7%). The course was benign, except in four patients (14%) who had sequelae (headache, unilateral hyperacusia and testicular discomfort).

CONCLUSIONS

The epidemiologic and liquoral data of MMV in adolescents agree with those described in series of children. Nonetheless, the absence of encephalic involvement and the high proportion of orchitis is of note.