Characterisation of mumps virus genotype C among patients with mumps in India

Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine failure had been reported globally and here, we report that it occurs in India now. MMR vaccinated people have developed acute mumps accompanied by anti-mumps immunoglobulin M. Genotypic characterisation revealed that the circulating mumps strain was genotype C, which is distinct from the vaccine strain of genotype N (L-Zagreb). This is the first report in India to suggest that genotype C is responsible for the present mumps infection. Thus, the present MMR vaccine must be revamped and optimised for its efficacy to prevent any future mumps epidemics.