The Inter-Relation of Age, Immune Response, and Susceptibility to Mumps Virus in Hamsters

Abstract

Direct comparison of mumps virus growth and antibody response has been made in hamsters inoculated at various ages. Hamsters, of an age at which inoculation of virus does not cause apparent disease, produce antibody earlier and in relatively greater amounts than do younger hamsters in which the mumps virus causes a fatal encephalitis. Older hamsters are susceptible to mumps virus if the incubation period is shortened so that death occurs before high serum antibody levels are established.