A Case of Mumps Virus Reinfection Manifesting as Severe Meningitis thatMimicked Tuberculous Meningitis

Abstract

It is known that mumps is an acute and highly contagious systemic viral infection that occurs in childhood, the hallmark of which is parotid gland swelling. Although mumps infection in the central nervous system (CNS) is uncommon among adults in association with vaccinations generally administered in developed countries, CNS involvement can occur without parotitis. Here, we report such a case of severe meningitis due to reinfection by the mumps virus. Based on our findings, we propose that mumps meningitis can mimic tuberculous meningitis in regard to clinical symptoms and course, as well as laboratory test results of cerebrospinal fluid. Follow-up investigations that include key cytokines such as IL-6, IFN-γ, and TNF-β in the CSF are important for differential diagnosis.