Introduction: Mumps is an acute contagious disease caused by paramyxovirus that affects human mostly characterized by complication such as orchitis, oophoritis, aseptic meningitis, mastitis, encephalopathy, deafness, and spontaneous abortion, although it can be prevented by vaccine. Despite its complications, there is limited information available on the prevalence of the mumps in Tanzania which hinders its control efforts. Only three studies from Tanzania documented on mumps seropositivity of 16.7%, 21.4% and 77% among children. This study aimed at determining the prevalence and associated factors of mumps IgG antibodies among school aged children in Mbeya, Tanzania.
Methodology: A cross sectional study was conducted from May to July 2023, involved 196 school children aged 5-13 years from Ubaruku primary school, Utyego primary school, Mbarali primary school and Mkobwe primary school in rural areas of Mbeya region. Structured questionnaire was b used to collect participant’s social-demographic information and other relevant information. Blood sample was collected, sera was extracted and used for detection of mumps immunoglobulin G antibodies by using indirect Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) (Vircell, S.L. Parque Technologico de la Salud, Avicena 8, Spain). Data was analyzed by using a STATA version 15.
Results; The median age of enrolled children was 13 (IQR: 8-13) years. Majority of them were female 124 (63.3%). The seropositivity of Mumps IgG antibodies was found to be 174(88.8%, 95% CI: 83.5-92.5). By multivariable logistic regression analysis, history of fever (OR: 5.36 95% CI:1.02-28.22 P=0.047) and sharing utensils (OR: 8.05 95% CI:1.99-32.65 P=0.003) independently predicted Mumps IgG seropositivity.
Conclusion: Mumps IgG seropositivity is extremely high in Mbeya region which suggests that mumps virus is widespread and associated with adverse effects. Increased tendency to share utensils increases the likelihood of exposure. In order to establish an evidence-based control intervention that will help introduce mumps vaccination in Tanzania, further research on magnitude and epidemiology of mumps infection across the nation is required.