Orchitis is an inflammation of the testes often due to which virus?

• A. Herpes simplex virus
• B. Escherichia coli
• C. Mumps virus
• D. Coxsackie B virus

Answer: (D)

Viral orchitis is most classically caused by the mumps virus. In postpubertal males, infection with mumps can spread beyond the salivary glands to the testes, leading to painful testicular swelling and inflammation. This complication is a well-known part of mumps syndrome and is why vaccination with MMR is important for preventing orchitis.

Other pathogens mentioned are less typical culprits: bacterial causes like E. coli produce epididymo-orchitis rather than a primary viral orchitis, and while other viruses (such as certain enteroviruses or herpesviruses) can affect the testes in rare cases, they are not the classic association like mumps.