Which laboratory finding supports the diagnosis of mumps?

Which laboratory finding supports the diagnosis of mumps?

• A. Elevated amylase
• B. Positive blood culture
• C. Low absolute neutrophil count
• D. Serologies

Answer: (D)

Detecting a virus-specific immune response is the most reliable way to confirm mumps. Serologies measure antibodies against the mumps virus, and a positive result—such as detectable mumps-specific IgM during the acute illness or a rising IgG titer between acute and convalescent samples—provides direct evidence of recent infection. This makes serology the best laboratory confirmation for mumps. Elevated amylase can occur with parotid involvement in mumps, but it’s nonspecific and not diagnostic on its own. A positive blood culture isn’t helpful for a viral illness like mumps, since bacteria are typically the target of blood cultures. A low absolute neutrophil count is not a characteristic finding used to confirm mumps. Therefore, serologies best support the diagnosis.

Detecting a virus-specific immune response is the most reliable way to confirm mumps. Serologies measure antibodies against the mumps virus, and a positive result—such as detectable mumps-specific IgM during the acute illness or a rising IgG titer between acute and convalescent samples—provides direct evidence of recent infection. This makes serology the best laboratory confirmation for mumps.

Elevated amylase can occur with parotid involvement in mumps, but it’s nonspecific and not diagnostic on its own. A positive blood culture isn’t helpful for a viral illness like mumps, since bacteria are typically the target of blood cultures. A low absolute neutrophil count is not a characteristic finding used to confirm mumps. Therefore, serologies best support the diagnosis.