RESUMEN

Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), characterized by its high fatality rate, poses a significant public health concern in Argentina due to the increasing evidence of person-to-person transmission of Andes virus. Several orthohantaviruses were described in the country, but their phylogenetic relationships were inferred from partial genomic sequences. The objectives of this work were to assess the viral diversity of the most prevalent orthohantaviruses associated with HPS cases in the Central-East (CE) region of Argentina, elucidate the geographic patterns of distribution of each variant and reconstruct comprehensive phylogenetic relationships utilizing complete genomic sequencing. To accomplish this, a detailed analysis was conducted of the geographic distribution of reported cases within the most impacted province of the region. A representative sample of cases was then selected to generate a geographic map illustrating the distribution of viral variants. Complete viral genomes were obtained from HPS cases reported in the region, including some from epidemiologically linked cases. The phylogenetic analysis based on complete genomes defined two separate clades in Argentina: Andes virus in the Southwestern region and Andes-like viruses in other parts of the country. In the CE region, Buenos Aires virus and Lechiguanas virus clearly segregate in two subclades. Complete genomes were useful to distinguish person-to-person transmission from environmental co-exposure to rodent population. This study enhances the understanding of the genetic diversity, geographical spread, and transmission dynamics of orthohantaviruses in Central Argentina and prompt to consider the inclusion of Buenos Aires virus and Lechiguanas virus in the species Orthohantavirus andesense, as named viruses.

Asunto(s)

Variación Genética , Genoma Viral , Orthohantavirus , Filogenia , Argentina/epidemiología , Orthohantavirus/genética , Orthohantavirus/clasificación , Humanos , Secuenciación Completa del Genoma , Síndrome Pulmonar por Hantavirus/transmisión , Síndrome Pulmonar por Hantavirus/virología , Síndrome Pulmonar por Hantavirus/epidemiología , Masculino , Femenino , Adulto , Animales , Persona de Mediana Edad , Infecciones por Hantavirus/transmisión , Infecciones por Hantavirus/virología , Infecciones por Hantavirus/epidemiología , Infecciones por Hantavirus/veterinaria , Adulto Joven

RESUMEN

INTRODUCTION: Hantavirus infection is a zoonotic disease from rodents to humans, necessitating seroprevalence assessment for disease burden clarification and control measure implementation. This study aimed to estimate global hantaviruses seroprevalence, examining variations by regions, populations or settings. METHODS: A comprehensive database search identified studies on human hantaviruses seroprevalence using IgG detection until january 2024. A random-effects meta-analysis estimated pooled seroprevalence, with subgroup analyses for geographical region, population, setting or occupation. RESULTS: Out of 3,382 abstracts reviewed, 110 studies were selected, comprising 81,815 observations and 3207 events. The global seroprevalence was calculated at 2.93% (2.34%-3.67%). In terms of geographical distribution, our analysis encompassed 61 studies from the Americas, where the seroprevalence was estimated at 2.43% (95% CI: 1.71%-3.46%), 33 studies from Europe indicating a seroprevalence of 2.98% (95% CI: 2.19%-4.06%), 10 studies from Asia revealing a seroprevalence of 6.84% (95% CI: 3.64%-12.50%), and 6 studies from Africa demonstrating a seroprevalence of 2.21% (95% CI: 1.82%-2.71%). Subgroup analysis underscored varying seroprevalence rates across different populations, settings, and occupations, highlighting the necessity for targeted interventions and preventive measures. CONCLUSION: The analysis reveals a moderate global hantaviruses seroprevalence, emphasizing the viral family's complex transmission dynamics influenced by exposure and geographical factors. This highlights the need for targeted prevention and control strategies.

Asunto(s)

Infecciones por Hantavirus , Estudios Seroepidemiológicos , Humanos , Infecciones por Hantavirus/epidemiología , Salud Global/estadística & datos numéricos , Orthohantavirus/inmunología , Orthohantavirus/aislamiento & purificación , Animales

RESUMEN

Three lateral flow immunoassay prototypes developed to detect IgM, IgG and IgM/IgG antibodies against Hantavirus were evaluated. A total of 163 samples were tested: 10 from Hantavirus patients, 103 from related diseases, and 50 from healthy controls. The prototypes exhibited 100 % sensitivity, 97.5 % to 99.3 % specificity, indicating promising improved diagnosis.

Asunto(s)

Anticuerpos Antivirales , Infecciones por Hantavirus , Inmunoglobulina G , Inmunoglobulina M , Orthohantavirus , Sensibilidad y Especificidad , Inmunoglobulina M/sangre , Humanos , Inmunoglobulina G/sangre , Anticuerpos Antivirales/sangre , Infecciones por Hantavirus/diagnóstico , Infecciones por Hantavirus/inmunología , Orthohantavirus/inmunología , Inmunoensayo/métodos

RESUMEN

Orthohantaviruses are zoonotic pathogens that cause acute and severe syndromes in humans. This review was performed to estimate the occurrence of human orthohantaviruses in South America between 2010 and 2022. A careful evaluation of the eligibility and quality of the articles was carried out after a systematic bibliographic search of four databases. The pooled frequency of human orthohantaviruses was calculated using a random effects model meta-analysis. The heterogeneity of estimates (resulting from the chi2 test and I2 statistics) was investigated by subgroup analysis and meta-regression. 1,962 confirmed cases of orthohantavirus infections were diagnosed among 35,548 individuals from seven South American countries. The general occurrence of orthohantaviruses was estimated to be 4.4% (95% confidence interval: 2.9-6.2%) based on general pooling of human cases from 32 studies. In a subgroup analysis considering the study design and method of diagnosis, the percentages of diagnosed orthohantavirus infections differed substantially (I2 = 97.8%, p = 0.00) among South American countries. Four genetic variants of orthohantavirus have been identified circulating in Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, and Peru. Although laboratory diagnosis of orthohantaviruses is not performed in many countries in South America, there is evidence that four different orthohantaviruses are circulating in the region. The pooled occurrence of viral infection was approximately 4.0% in more than half of the South American countries. Updated information on the occurrence of human infections is essential for monitoring the territorial spread and determining the frequency of this zoonosis.

Asunto(s)

Infecciones por Hantavirus , Orthohantavirus , Animales , Humanos , Infecciones por Hantavirus/epidemiología , Infecciones por Hantavirus/virología , Orthohantavirus/genética , Orthohantavirus/clasificación , Orthohantavirus/aislamiento & purificación , América del Sur/epidemiología

RESUMEN

We describe a case of a 33-year-old male presented with fever, myalgia, nausea, and asthenia for six days. The patient lived in a rural area. Initial hypotheses included arbovirus infection, viral hepatitis, and Lyme disease. Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests for Dengue, Zika, and Chikungunya resulted negative. We were able to recover complete S, L, and M segments of virus in the Orthohantavirus genome.

Asunto(s)

Metagenómica , Humanos , Masculino , Adulto , Brasil , Metagenómica/métodos , Orthohantavirus/genética , Orthohantavirus/clasificación , Orthohantavirus/aislamiento & purificación , Genoma Viral/genética , Infecciones por Hantavirus/diagnóstico , Infecciones por Hantavirus/virología , Filogenia , ARN Viral/genética

RESUMEN

Orthohantaviruses, cause hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome, nephropathia epidemica, and hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, are major public health problems all over the world. Wild rodent surveillance for orthohantaviruses is of great importance for the preparedness against these human infections and the prediction of possible outbreak regions. Thus, we aimed to screen orthohantaviruses in wild rodents in Southern Anatolia, where the area has some of the glacial period refugia in the Mediterranean Basin, and interpret their current epidemiology with climatic biovariables in comparison with previously positive regions.We trapped muroid rodents between 2015 and 2017, and screened for orthohantaviruses. Then, we evaluated the relationship between orthohantavirus infections and bioclimatic variables. In spite of the long-term and seasonal sampling, we found no evidence for Orthohantavirus infections. The probable absence of orthohantaviruses in the sampling area was further evaluated from the climatic perspective, and results led us suggest that Orthohantavirus epidemiology might be relatively dependent on precipitation levels in driest and warmest quarters, and temperature fluctuations.These initial data might provide necessary perspective on wild rodent surveillance for orthohantaviruses in other regions, and help to collect lacking data for a such habitat suitability study in a bigger scale in the future.

Asunto(s)

Clima , Infecciones por Hantavirus , Orthohantavirus , Animales , Orthohantavirus/aislamiento & purificación , Infecciones por Hantavirus/epidemiología , Infecciones por Hantavirus/virología , Infecciones por Hantavirus/veterinaria , Animales Salvajes/virología , Roedores/virología , Salud Única , Enfermedades de los Roedores/epidemiología , Enfermedades de los Roedores/virología , Turquía/epidemiología , Estaciones del Año , Humanos

RESUMEN

Hantaviruses, members of the Bunyaviridae family, can cause two patterns of disease in humans, hantavirus hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) and cardiopulmonary syndrome (HCPS), being the latter hegemonic on the American continent. Andesvirus is one of the strains that can cause HCPS and is endemic in Chile. Its transmission occurs through direct or indirect contact with infected rodents' urine, saliva, or feces and inhalation of aerosol particles containing the virus. HCPS rapidly evolves into acute but reversible multiorgan dysfunction. The hemodynamic pattern of HCPS is not identical to that of cardiogenic or septic shock, being characterized by hypovolemia, systolic dysfunction, and pulmonary edema secondary to increased permeability. Given the lack of specific effective therapies to treat this viral infection, the focus of treatment lies in the timely provision of intensive care, specifically hemodynamic and respiratory support, which often requires veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO). This narrative review aims to provide insights into specific ICU management of HCPS based on the available evidence and gathered experience in Chile and South America including perspectives of pathophysiology, organ dysfunction kinetics, timely life support provision, safe patient transportation, and key challenges for the future.

Asunto(s)

Cuidados Críticos , Síndrome Pulmonar por Hantavirus , Humanos , Cuidados Críticos/métodos , Síndrome Pulmonar por Hantavirus/terapia , Síndrome Pulmonar por Hantavirus/diagnóstico , Síndrome Pulmonar por Hantavirus/fisiopatología , Síndrome Pulmonar por Hantavirus/epidemiología , Oxigenación por Membrana Extracorpórea/métodos , Chile/epidemiología , Orthohantavirus/fisiología

RESUMEN

Context: In 2022, four severe cases of Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) were reported in patients from informal settlements around Cayenne, the main city in French Guiana. Regional Health Agency (RHA) was commissioned by the French Public Health Agency to estimate the seroprevalence of Hantavirus infections in the neighborhoods of confirmed cases of HPS. RHA then commissioned the French Red Cross (FRC) mobile public health team, providing support in environmental health issues to the population living in informal settlements by health mediators, to facilitate the investigation. The objective of this study was to describe the health mediators' activities set up to improve the efficiency of the investigation. Methods: The health mediators' team was specifically trained by virologist and infectiologist specialized in HPS. They helped the investigating team and health workers at various steps of the investigation. These interventions are then described in the results section. Results: The investigation took place between Nov. 2022 and March 2023 in three neighborhoods. During the pre-investigation activities, the mediators raised awareness about HPS of 343 people, among whom 319 (93%) planned to participate in the investigation. Altogether, 274 people finally participated in the investigation, including, i.e., 30.8% of the estimated population living in the three concerned settlements. The global proportion of patients with positive IgG anti-Hantavirus was 5.1%. The health mediators team supported the following steps: preliminary meetings and training modules, identification of resource persons, field visits and awareness and information campaigns (pre-investigation); on field data collection in informal settlements (per-investigation) and communication of individual results, public feedback meeting (post-investigation). Discussion/Conclusion: The involvement of mediators was probably a factor in the success of the public health response to socially vulnerable people living in the investigated neighborhoods. The preliminary prevention activities helped to raise awareness of the health risk and to enroll participants. Health mediation and outreach activities seem relevant tools of epidemiological field investigations in diseases affecting inhabitants of informal settlements.

Asunto(s)

Síndrome Pulmonar por Hantavirus , Humanos , Guyana Francesa/epidemiología , Masculino , Femenino , Estudios Seroepidemiológicos , Adulto , Síndrome Pulmonar por Hantavirus/epidemiología , Infecciones por Hantavirus/epidemiología , Orthohantavirus , Persona de Mediana Edad , Salud Pública

RESUMEN

Hantaviruses are zoonotic agents responsible for causing Hantavirus Cardiopulmonary Syndrome (HCPS) in the Americas, with Brazil ranking first in number of confirmed HCPS cases in South America. In this study, we simulate the monthly spread of highly lethal hantavirus in natural hosts by conjugating a Kermack-McCormick SIR model with a cellular automata model (CA), therefore simultaneously evaluating both in-cell and between-cell infection dynamics in host populations, using recently compiled data on main host species abundances and confirmed deaths by hantavirus infection. For both host species, our models predict an increase in the area of infection, with 22 municipalities where no cases have been confirmed to date expected to have at least one case in the next decade, and a reduction in infection in 11 municipalities. Our findings support existing research and reveal new areas where hantavirus is likely to spread within recognized epicenters. Highlighting spatial-temporal trends and potential expansion, we emphasize the increased risk due to pervasive habitat fragmentation and agricultural expansion. Consistent prevention efforts and One Health actions are crucial, especially in newly identified high-risk municipalities.

Asunto(s)

Infecciones por Hantavirus , Orthohantavirus , Brasil/epidemiología , Animales , Infecciones por Hantavirus/epidemiología , Infecciones por Hantavirus/virología , Humanos , Reservorios de Enfermedades/virología , Síndrome Pulmonar por Hantavirus/epidemiología , Síndrome Pulmonar por Hantavirus/virología , Zoonosis/epidemiología , Zoonosis/virología

RESUMEN

We conducted a development and standardization of an IgG ELISA assay for serological detection of human orthohantavirus infections using the recombinant antigen rLECH13 produced in bacterial and derived from the LECHV. The evaluation and standardization were carried out by analyzing serum samples from a total of 50 patients with confirmed Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) diagnosis through the reference technique, 50 negative sera, and 53 patients with other medical conditions. The data from the assay analysis showed a diagnostic sensitivity value of 95% and a diagnostic specificity of 80%. The high sensitivity of this novel assay leads us to conclude that rLECH13 is a feasible option for use in the immunodiagnostic of orthohantavirus infection. Additionally, it is crucial to have an antigen that can be produced under conditions that do not require highly complex laboratories. Furthermore, the new assay is cost-effective, reproducible, and demonstrates excellent performance.

Asunto(s)

Anticuerpos Antivirales , Ensayo de Inmunoadsorción Enzimática , Infecciones por Hantavirus , Orthohantavirus , Sensibilidad y Especificidad , Humanos , Ensayo de Inmunoadsorción Enzimática/métodos , Orthohantavirus/inmunología , Orthohantavirus/genética , Orthohantavirus/aislamiento & purificación , Argentina , Infecciones por Hantavirus/diagnóstico , Anticuerpos Antivirales/sangre , Proteínas de la Nucleocápside/inmunología , Proteínas de la Nucleocápside/genética , Proteínas Recombinantes/genética , Proteínas Recombinantes/inmunología , Inmunoglobulina G/sangre , Antígenos Virales

RESUMEN

Few cases of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome have been reported in northeastern Argentina. However, neighboring areas show a higher incidence, suggesting underreporting. We evaluated the presence of antibodies against orthohantavirus in small rodents throughout Misiones province. Infected Akodon affinis montensis and Oligoryzomys nigripes native rodents were found in protected areas of Misiones.

Asunto(s)

Anticuerpos Antivirales , Orthohantavirus , Animales , Argentina/epidemiología , Orthohantavirus/inmunología , Orthohantavirus/clasificación , Orthohantavirus/aislamiento & purificación , Anticuerpos Antivirales/sangre , Infecciones por Hantavirus/epidemiología , Infecciones por Hantavirus/veterinaria , Infecciones por Hantavirus/virología , Roedores/virología , Enfermedades de los Roedores/epidemiología , Enfermedades de los Roedores/virología , Humanos , Síndrome Pulmonar por Hantavirus/epidemiología , Reservorios de Enfermedades/virología

RESUMEN

INTRODUCTION: Preventive care practices are a challenge in community care. This study examined hantavirus preventive practices and their relationship with personal and social factors, lifestyle, and cultural beliefs. METHOD: An explanatory sequential mixed methods design, guided by Leininger's Theory of Culture Care Diversity and Universality, was used in two phases: (a) a cross-sectional relational design (n = 109) and (b) ethnonursing research (n = 30), in an endemic community in Panama. Univariate and bivariate analyses were used to analyze the quantitative data, whereas the Leininger's analysis model was used to analyze the qualitative data. RESULTS: In the quantitative phase, the most frequent preventive practice was household hygiene, and the least frequent was vector control. Two of the eight preventive practices were associated with personal factors and two were associated with social factors. In the qualitative phase, lifestyle, beliefs, and context were found to influence the adoption of hantavirus preventive practices and help explain the quantitative findings. DISCUSSION: Knowledge and understanding of the social and cultural contexts are essential for hantavirus prevention.

Asunto(s)

Infecciones por Hantavirus , Población Rural , Humanos , Panamá , Estudios Transversales , Masculino , Femenino , Población Rural/estadística & datos numéricos , Adulto , Infecciones por Hantavirus/prevención & control , Persona de Mediana Edad , Conocimientos, Actitudes y Práctica en Salud , Investigación Cualitativa , Orthohantavirus , Adulto Joven , Anciano , Adolescente

RESUMEN

INTRODUCTION: Hantavirus, a zoonotic pathogen, causes severe syndromes like hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS), sometimes fatal in humans. Considering the importance of detecting the hantavirus antigen, the construction of an immunosensor is essential. The structural and functional characteristics of camelid nanobodies (VHHs) encourage their application in the areas of nanobiotechnology, therapeutics, diagnostics, and basic research. Therefore, this study aimed to standardize stable bioconjugates using gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and VHHs, in order to develop immunobiosensors for the diagnosis of hantavirus infection. METHODS: Immobilized metal affinity chromatography (IMAC) was performed to obtain purified recombinant anti-hantavirus nucleocapsid nanobodies (anti-prNΔ85 VHH), while AuNPs were synthesized for bioconjugation. UV-visible spectrophotometry and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis were employed to characterize AuNPs. RESULTS: The bioconjugation stability parameters (VHH-AuNPs), analyzed by spectrophotometry, showed that the ideal pH value and VHH concentration were obtained at 7.4 and 50 µg/mL, respectively, after addition of 1 M NaCl, which induces AuNP aggregation. TEM performed before and after bioconjugation showed uniform, homogeneous, well-dispersed, and spherical AuNPs with an average diameter of ~ 14 ± 0.57 nm. Furthermore, high-resolution images revealed a thin white halo on the surface of the AuNPs, indicating the coating of the AuNPs with protein. A biosensor simulation test (dot blot-like [DB-like]) was performed in stationary phase to verify the binding and detection limits of the recombinant nucleocapsid protein from the Araucária hantavirus strain (prN∆85). DISCUSSION: Using AuNPs/VHH bioconjugates, a specific interaction was detected between 5 and 10 min of reaction in a dose-dependent manner. It was observed that this test was sensitive enough to detect prNΔ85 at concentrations up to 25 ng/µL. Considering that nanostructured biological systems such as antibodies conjugated with AuNPs are useful tools for the development of chemical and biological sensors, the stability of the bioconjugate indicates proficiency in detecting antigens. The experimental results obtained will be used in a future immunospot assay or lateral flow immunochromatography analysis for hantavirus detection.

Asunto(s)

Técnicas Biosensibles , Oro , Nanopartículas del Metal , Orthohantavirus , Anticuerpos de Dominio Único , Oro/química , Nanopartículas del Metal/química , Anticuerpos de Dominio Único/inmunología , Anticuerpos de Dominio Único/química , Orthohantavirus/inmunología , Humanos , Técnicas Biosensibles/métodos , Anticuerpos Antivirales/inmunología , Animales , Infecciones por Hantavirus/diagnóstico

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Andes virus (ANDV) is a zoonotic Orthohantavirus leading to hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome. Although most transmissions occur through environmental exposure to rodent faeces and urine, rare person-to-person transmission has been documented, mainly for close contacts. This study investigates the presence and infectivity of ANDV in body fluids from confirmed cases and the duration of viraemia. METHODS: In this prospective study, 131 participants with confirmed ANDV infection were enrolled in Chile in a prospective study between 2008 and 2022. Clinical samples (buffy coat, plasma, gingival crevicular fluid [GCF], saliva, nasopharyngeal swabs [NPS], and urine) were collected weekly for 3 weeks together with clinical and epidemiological data. Samples were categorised as acute or convalescent (up to and after 16 days following onset of symptoms). Infectivity of positive fluids was assessed after the culture of samples on Vero E6 cells and use of flow cytometry assays to determine the production of ANDV nucleoprotein. FINDINGS: ANDV RNA was detected in 100% of buffy coats during acute phase, declining to 95% by day 17, and to 93% between days 23-29. ANDV RNA in GCF and saliva decreased from 30% and 12%, respectively, during the acute phase, to 12% and 11% during the convalescent phase. Successful infectivity assays of RT-qPCR-positive fluids, including GCF, saliva, NPS, and urine, were observed in 18 (42%) of 43 samples obtained during the acute phase of infection. After re-culture, the capacity to infect Vero E6 cells was maintained in 16 (89%) of 18 samples. Severity was associated with the presence of ANDV RNA in one or more fluids besides blood (odds ratio 2·58 [95% CI 1·42-5·18]). INTERPRETATION: ANDV infection is a systemic and viraemic infection, that affects various organs. The presence of infectious particles in body fluids contributes to our understanding of potential mechanisms for person-to-person transmission, supporting the development of preventive strategies. Detection of ANDV RNA in additional fluids at hospital admission is a predictor of disease severity. FUNDING: National Institutes of Health and Agencia de Investigación y Desarrollo. TRANSLATION: For the Spanish translation of the abstract see Supplementary Materials section.

Asunto(s)

Infecciones por Hantavirus , Orthohantavirus , Viremia , Esparcimiento de Virus , Humanos , Estudios Prospectivos , Masculino , Adulto , Infecciones por Hantavirus/transmisión , Infecciones por Hantavirus/epidemiología , Infecciones por Hantavirus/virología , Femenino , Orthohantavirus/aislamiento & purificación , Chile/epidemiología , Persona de Mediana Edad , Adulto Joven , Adolescente , ARN Viral , Animales , Niño , Chlorocebus aethiops , Anciano , Células Vero

RESUMEN

Bats play an essential role in maintaining ecosystems. Their unique characteristics increase the likelihood of interactions with various species, making them a potential source for the emergence and spread of infectious diseases. Hantaviruses are continuously expanding their range of hosts. This study presents the identification of a partial genome associated with Hantavirus in samples collected from neotropical bats. We conducted a metagenomic study using samples from Carollia perspicillata in Maranhão, Brazil. Tissue fragments were used for RNA extraction and subsequent sequencing. The resulting data was subjected to bioinformatic analysis. A sequence showing an identity of 72.86% with the L gene in the reference genome was obtained. The phylogenetic analysis revealed the study sequence, denoted as Buritiense, clustering within the Mobatvirus clade. The intragroup analysis showed a broader dispersion and were markedly asymmetric. This observation suggests the possibility that Buritiense could potentially represent a new species within the bat-borne hantaviruses, but further analyses are needed to provide additional insights if bats plays a role as reservoirs and the potential for transmission to human populations.

Asunto(s)

Quirópteros , Orthohantavirus , Virus ARN , Animales , Brasil , Ecosistema , Orthohantavirus/genética , Filogenia

RESUMEN

Introducción: la creciente preocupación por eventos epidémicos de origen zoonótico generó la necesidad de estrategias integrales que corrigiesen la baja adaptabilidad y tensiones que se generan al implementar acciones de orden jerárquico superior en el contexto comunitario. Con el objeto de explicar un Enfoque Rápido en Contexto Comunitario (ERCC), este trabajo se propone evaluar dentro del contexto de un programa de salud pública la participación comunitaria en la prevención del Hantavirus en la Comarca Andina del Paralelo 42. Metodología: El presente ERCC utilizó visitas y observaciones al sitio, entrevistas cara a cara y grupales, precedidas por una revisión documental de la literatura. La información se recopiló en un corto período de tiempo y el análisis se utilizó para desarrollar recomendaciones informadas para los tomadores de decisiones de salud pública. Resultados: Se observo que cada comunidad enfrenta desafíos más allá del hantavirus y es esencial que epidemiólogos, prestadores de servicios asistenciales y municipalidades trabajen más estrechamente con la población local para prevenir y manejar mejor cualquier brote de enfermedad. Se pudieron identificar 6 recomendaciones que le permitirían a las comunidades un mejor manejo de futuros brotes con un enfoque participativo. Conclusiones: El ERCC es una intervención rápida y discreta que puede ser llevada a cabo por un pequeño equipo con una interferencia mínima en la comunidad. El ERCC también podría ser adaptado por las autoridades de salud pública a muchos contextos diferentes, incluso con grupos vulnerables, para ayudar a que la promoción y la prevención sean más relevantes y efectivas a nivel local (AU)

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Introduction: the growing concern for epidemic events of zoonotic origin generated the need for comprehensive strategies that correct the low adaptability and tensions generated when implementing actions of higher hierarchical order in the community context. In order to explain a Rapid Approach in Community Context (ERCC), this paper aims to evaluate within the context of a public health program community participation in the prevention of Hantavirus in the Andean Region of the 42nd Parallel. Methodology: The present ERCC used site visits and observations, face-to-face and group interviews, preceded by a documentary review of the literature. The information was collected over a short period of time and the analysis was used to develop informed recommendations for public health decision makers. Results: It was observed that each community faces challenges beyond hantavirus and it is essential that epidemiologists, care providers and municipalities work more closely with the local population to better prevent and manage any disease outbreak. We were able to identify 6 recommendations that would allow communities to better manage future outbreaks with a participatory approach. Conclusions: The ERCC is a rapid and discreet intervention that can be carried out by a small team with minimal interference in the community. The ERCC could also be adapted by public health authorities to many different contexts, including with vulnerable groups, to help make promotion and prevention more relevant and effective at the local level (AU)

Asunto(s)

Humanos , Servicios Preventivos de Salud , Estrategias de Salud Locales , Orthohantavirus , Participación de la Comunidad , Control de Enfermedades Transmisibles/instrumentación , Colaboración Intersectorial

RESUMEN

Orthohantaviruses are diverse zoonotic RNA viruses. Small mammals, such as mice and rats are common chronic, asymptomatic hosts that transmit the virus through their feces and urine. In North America, hantavirus infection primarily causes hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome (HCPS), which has a mortality rate of nearly 36%. In the United States of America, New Mexico (NM) is leading the nation in the number of HCPS-reported cases (N = 129). However, no reported cases of HCPS have occurred within eastern NM. In this study, we assessed the prevalence of Sin Nombre virus (SNV) in rodent assemblages across eastern NM, using RT-qPCR. We screened for potential rodent hosts in the region, as well as identified areas that may pose significant infection risk to humans. We captured and collected blood and lung tissues from 738 rodents belonging to 23 species. 167 individuals from 16 different species were positive for SNV RNA by RT-qPCR, including 6 species unreported in the literature: Onychomys leucogaster (Northern grasshopper mouse), Dipodomys merriami (Merriam's kangaroo rat), Dipodomys ordii (Ord's kangaroo rat), Dipodomys spectabilis (Banner-tailed kangaroo rat), Perognathus flavus (Silky pocket mouse), and Chaetodipus hispidus (Hispid pocket mouse). The infection rates did not differ between sexes or rodent families (i.e., Cricetidae vs. Heteromyidae). Generalized linear model showed that disturbed habitat types positively influenced the prevalence of SNV at sites of survey. Overall, the results of this study indicate that many rodent species in east New Mexico have the potential to maintain SNV in the environment, but further research is needed to assess species specific infectivity mechanisms and potential risk to humans.

Asunto(s)

Infecciones por Hantavirus , Síndrome Pulmonar por Hantavirus , Orthohantavirus , Virus Sin Nombre , Humanos , Animales , Ratones , Roedores , Dipodomys , Virus Sin Nombre/genética , New Mexico/epidemiología , Prevalencia , Infecciones por Hantavirus/epidemiología , Infecciones por Hantavirus/veterinaria , Orthohantavirus/genética , Arvicolinae , Síndrome Pulmonar por Hantavirus/epidemiología , Síndrome Pulmonar por Hantavirus/veterinaria

RESUMEN

Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) is an emerging infectious disease caused by orthohantaviruses in the Americas. In Argentina, since 1995, several reservoirs and virus variants have been described, but the northeastern and central endemic zones in the country include an area without human or rodent infections, despite sharing rodent species with areas with that disease. The aim of this study was to search for orthohantavirus in rodent communities that inhabit this area, which borders two endemic areas of HPS. Small rodents were captured in June of 2022 through a total effort of 644 trap nights distributed in five grids located in the Iberá National Park, Corrientes, Northeastern Argentina. All rodents were sexed, weighed, and the species was recorded. Blood samples were extracted to detect ANDV-specific immunoglobulin G (IgG), and to extract the RNA virus. Trimmed sequences were mapped against reference sequences from GenBank. We captured a total of 36 Oligoryzomys flavescens and 15 Oxymycterus rufus. We detected the O. flavescens species infected with Lechiguanas orthohantavirus in the camping area of the National Park. A nucleotide comparison with previously published sequences shows a 98.34% similarity to the virus obtained from a human case of HPS reported in the adjacent Misiones province. This study demonstrated, for the first time, that O. flavescens is a host of the Lechiguanas orthohantavirus in this zone and contributes to closing information gaps on the distribution of orthohantavirus in Argentina. Additionally, the high similarity with the hantavirus found in the human case of Misiones suggests that the reservoir in that province would also be O. flavescens (not previously confirmed). This information permits us to focus on the preventive measurements to protect the human population.

Asunto(s)

Infecciones por Hantavirus , Síndrome Pulmonar por Hantavirus , Orthohantavirus , Virus ARN , Enfermedades de los Roedores , Humanos , Animales , Roedores , Argentina/epidemiología , Reservorios de Enfermedades , Enfermedades de los Roedores/epidemiología , Síndrome Pulmonar por Hantavirus/veterinaria , Orthohantavirus/genética , Infecciones por Hantavirus/epidemiología , Infecciones por Hantavirus/veterinaria

RESUMEN

Hantavirus infection is an endemic zoonosis in Chile, with an average lethality of around 36%. The highest lethality (60%) was recorded in 1997. Prevention strategies have been applied since then. Early diagnosis and technologies, such as the use of ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation) and Hantavirus immune plasma, have contributed to increasing the survival of people due to this disease at the national level. In the newly created Region of Ñuble in Chile, the incidence and lethality of Hantavirus cases are unknown; therefore, the objective of this research is to describe the epidemiological profile of Hantavirus cases in the Region of Ñuble, Chile from 2002 to 2018. This knowledge contributes to substantiating and justifies the need to invest in technology and reinforce interventions related to the early diagnosis and prevention of this disease in the region. Cases reported in the Ñuble region during the period 2002-2018, extracted from the Epidemiological Survey of Environmental Research of Hantavirus cases of the Ministry of Health of Chile, were analyzed retrospectively. The epidemiological profile of the Ñuble region is very similar to the national one in terms of characterizing the individual suffering from the disease. The most affected population is young men, residents in rural areas, and mainly from a low socioeconomic segment. The regional profile of Hantavirus cases makes it possible to identify three communes with the highest number of cases: El Carmen, Coihueco, and San Carlos. A political-administrative response is expected to focus on and optimize strategies and resources to reduce the incidence and lethality of this pathology in the Ñuble region.

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A infecção por hantavírus é uma zoonose endêmica no Chile, com letalidade média em torno de 36%. A maior letalidade (60%) foi registrada em 1997. Estratégias de prevenção vêm sendo aplicadas desde então. O diagnóstico precoce e tecnologias como o uso de ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation) e plasma imune ao Hantavírus, têm contribuído para aumentar a sobrevida das pessoas por esta doença em nível nacional. Na recém-criada Região de Ñuble no Chile, a incidência e letalidade dos casos de Hantavírus são desconhecidas; portanto, o objetivo desta pesquisa é descrever o perfil epidemiológico dos casos de Hantavírus na Região de Ñuble, Chile de 2002 a 2018. Esse conhecimento contribui para fundamentar e justificar a necessidade de investir em tecnologia e reforçar as intervenções relacionadas ao diagnóstico precoce e prevenção desta doença na região. Os casos notificados na região de Ñuble durante o período 2002-2018, extraídos do Inquérito Epidemiológico de Pesquisa Ambiental de casos de Hantavírus do Ministério da Saúde do Chile, foram analisados ​​retrospectivamente. O perfil epidemiológico da região de Ñuble é muito semelhante ao nacional no que diz respeito à caracterização do indivíduo acometido pela doença. A população mais afetada são homens jovens, residentes em áreas rurais e, principalmente, de um segmento socioeconômico baixo. O perfil regional dos casos de Hantavírus permite identificar três municípios com maior número de casos: El Carmen, Coihueco e San Carlos. Espera-se uma resposta político-administrativa que enfoque e otimize estratégias e recursos para reduzir a incidência e letalidade desta patologia na região de Ñuble.

Asunto(s)

Zoonosis , Estudios Epidemiológicos , Orthohantavirus , Chile

RESUMEN

Previous research conducted in central-east region of Argentina recorded potential orthohantavirus host rodents in diverse environments, but no research has focused particularly on islands, the environments that present the greatest risk to humans. For this reason, the aims of this research were to determine the orthohantavirus host in the rodent community focused on islands of Paraná River Delta, central-east region of Argentina, to identify temporal and spatial factors associated with orthohantavirus prevalence variations, to compare the functional traits of seropositive and seronegative rodents, and to explore the association between orthohantavirus prevalence and rodent community characteristics between August 2014 and May 2018. With a trapping effort of 14,600 trap-nights, a total of 348 sigmodontine rodent specimens belonging to seven species were captured 361 times. The overall antibody prevalence was 4.9%. Particularly, 14.9% of Oligoryzomys flavescens and 1.5% of Oxymycterus rufus, mainly reproductively active adult males, had antibodies against orthohantavirus. Even though O. flavescens inhabit all islands, our results suggest spatial heterogeneity in the viral distribution, with two months after periods of low temperature presenting increases in seroprevalence. This could be a response to the increased proportion of adults present in the rodent population. In addition, an association was found between the high seroprevalence and the diversity of the rodent assemblage. We also found 1.5% of O. rufus exposed to orthohantavirus, which shows us that further investigation of the ecology of the virus is needed to answer whether this species act as a spillover or a new competent host.

Asunto(s)

Infecciones por Hantavirus , Síndrome Pulmonar por Hantavirus , Orthohantavirus , Enfermedades de los Roedores , Humanos , Masculino , Animales , Roedores , Humedales , Argentina/epidemiología , Estudios Seroepidemiológicos , Enfermedades de los Roedores/epidemiología , Reservorios de Enfermedades , Infecciones por Hantavirus/epidemiología , Sigmodontinae