Mike, an unvaccinated university student traveled to Western Europe, where he contracted mumps (viral infection). A month after his return, his roommate, Josh, also complained of symptoms of mumps. However, Josh had received his MMR vaccination as part of his childhood immunizations. IgM antibodies were detected in Mike’s serological test but not in Josh’s bloodwork. However, circulating IgG was detected in both patients. * IgM antibodies have a short half-life. IgG have a longer half-life (remain in an “active state” for longer, not broken down as quickly). Why was it significant that Mike had not been vaccinated and had traveled to Western Europe? What is the significance of finding Ig M antibodies? Why might Josh’s serology test results have been negative for mumps IgM and positive for IgG?
Mike, an unvaccinated university student traveled to Western Europe, where he contracted mumps (viral infection). A month after his return, his roommate, Josh, also complained of symptoms of mumps. However, Josh had received his MMR vaccination as part of his childhood immunizations. IgM antibodies were detected in Mike’s serological test but not in Josh’s bloodwork. However, circulating IgG was detected in both patients. * IgM antibodies have a short half-life. IgG have a longer half-life (remain in an “active state” for longer, not broken down as quickly). Why was it significant that Mike had not been vaccinated and had traveled to Western Europe? What is the significance of finding Ig M antibodies? Why might Josh’s serology test results have been negative for mumps IgM and positive for IgG?
Question
- Mike, an unvaccinated university student traveled to Western Europe, where he contracted mumps (viral infection). A month after his return, his roommate, Josh, also complained of symptoms of mumps. However, Josh had received his MMR vaccination as part of his childhood immunizations. IgM antibodies were detected in Mike’s serological test but not in Josh’s bloodwork. However, circulating IgG was detected in both patients.
* IgM antibodies have a short half-life. IgG have a longer half-life (remain in an “active state” for longer, not broken down as quickly).
Why was it significant that Mike had not been vaccinated and had traveled to Western Europe?
What is the significance of finding Ig M antibodies?
Why might Josh’s serology test results have been negative for mumps IgM and positive for IgG?
Is it possible for Josh to have a mumps infection, even if he had been vaccinated as a child?
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