Mumps Virus: Lytic or Lysogenic? Understanding the Replication Cycle

Mumps virus is a lytic virus.

Lytic viruses are viruses that cause the host cell to lyse (break open) and release new virions. In contrast, lysogenic viruses are viruses that can integrate their genome into the host cell's chromosome and remain dormant for a period of time. Upon reactivation, lysogenic viruses can either enter the lytic cycle or continue to replicate in a lysogenic manner.

Mumps virus is an enveloped, single-stranded, negative-sense RNA virus of the family Paramyxoviridae. Mumps virus causes mumps, a contagious disease characterized by swelling of the salivary glands.