Family Nurse Practitioner Exam

Which virus is a known causative agent of orchitis?

1. Mumps virus

2. Measles virus

3. Chlamydia trachomatis

4. Chronic urinary tract infections

The correct answer is: Mumps virus

The mumps virus is a well-known causative agent of orchitis, particularly in postpubertal males. Orchitis refers to inflammation of one or both testicles, and the mumps virus can lead to this condition as a complication of mumps infection. This viral illness typically presents with parotitis (swelling of the parotid glands) and can result in orchitis due to the virus's affinity for the testes, especially after puberty when the testicular tissues are fully developed and more susceptible to infection. In addition to systemic effects, the mumps virus induces an immune response in the testicular tissue, leading to inflammation and potential complications such as testicular atrophy or infertility if not properly managed. The historical context of mumps highlights its role in orchitis, as outbreaks of mumps infections have often correlated with increased cases of the condition among males. Other options like the measles virus, Chlamydia trachomatis, and chronic urinary tract infections do not have a direct, recognized association with orchitis in the same way that mumps does. While Chlamydia can cause epididymitis, its link to orchitis is less direct and typically involves different mechanisms or underlying conditions.