Orchitis
MUMPS ORCHITIS
Roughly 30%-40% of patients with mumps do not develop parotitis. Mumps is a paramyxovirus RNA virus which has a human reservoir and is spread by direct contact, fomites contaminated by saliva, airborne droplets and possibly by urine. (1) . Immunoassay testings shows IgM antibodies are detectable in the first few days of the illness and are considered diagnostic. In addition, seroconversion or a fourfold increase in IgG titre are also diagnostic. (1,2) Most cases are in patients >15yrs age and is rarely seen in children due to vaccination.
Orchitis affects about 20%-30% of mumps cases (3) and 10%-30% are bilateral. (2) Orchitis usually occurs 1-2 weeks after parotitis with 30%-50 % show a degree of testicular atrophy. Treatment is supportive (bed rest, scrotal support, and the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents). Steroid administration helps in diminishing pain and oedema, but it does not alter the clinical course of the disease or prevent future complications.
Roughly 30%-40% of patients with mumps do not develop parotitis. Mumps is a paramyxovirus RNA virus which has a human reservoir and is spread by direct contact, fomites contaminated by saliva, airborne droplets and possibly by urine. (1) . Immunoassay testings shows IgM antibodies are detectable in the first few days of the illness and are considered diagnostic. In addition, seroconversion or a fourfold increase in IgG titre are also diagnostic. (1,2) Most cases are in patients >15yrs age and is rarely seen in children due to vaccination.
Orchitis affects about 20%-30% of mumps cases (3) and 10%-30% are bilateral. (2) Orchitis usually occurs 1-2 weeks after parotitis with 30%-50 % show a degree of testicular atrophy. Treatment is supportive (bed rest, scrotal support, and the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents). Steroid administration helps in diminishing pain and oedema, but it does not alter the clinical course of the disease or prevent future complications.
- Masarani, M., H. Wazait, and M. Dinneen. "Mumps orchitis." Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine 99.11 (2006): 573-575.
- Berhrman RE, Kliegman RM, Jenson HB, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics, 17th edn. Philadelphia: Saunders, 2004
- Bartak V. Sperm count, morphology, and motility after unilateral mumps orchitis. J Reprod Fertil 1973;32: 491-3