Specific IgM antibodies in the saliva of mumps patients.

Antibodies to mumps virus were detected in 63.5% of saliva samples from mumps patients. The secretory antibody response was of primary type. Specific IgM antibodies were found in some samples collected early after the onset of disease. Specific IgA were detected in later obtained samples. Persons over 15 years of age reacted more often and more promptly than the children. The authors discuss the possible significance of prior antigenic stimulation by related paramyxoviruses (namely parainfluenzaviruses) for the intensity of local antibody response to mumps virus infection.