Hantavirus Reservoir Hosts in Argentina
Author Information
Author(s): Gladys Calderon, Noemi Pini, Jorge Bolpe, Silvana Levis, James Mills, Elsa Segura, Nadia Guthmann, Gustavo Cantoni, Jose Becker, Ana Fonollat, Carlos Ripoll, Marcelo Bortman, Rosendo Benedetti, Marta Sabattini, Delia Enria
Primary Institution: Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Virales Humanas 'Dr. Julio I. Maiztegui'
Hypothesis
What are the rodent species that serve as reservoirs for hantaviruses in Argentina?
Conclusion
Hantavirus reservoir hosts were found in peridomestic environments across three endemic zones in Argentina, indicating a risk for human inhabitants.
Supporting Evidence
- Five species of rodents were identified as reservoirs for hantaviruses in Argentina.
- Antibody reactive to Sin Nombre virus was found in six rodent species.
- Rodent trapping was conducted in three hantavirus pulmonary syndrome-endemic areas.
- High risk for peridomestic exposure to hantavirus was observed in all three areas.
- Confirmed cases of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome were linked to specific rodent species.
Takeaway
This study found that certain rodents in Argentina can carry a virus that makes people sick, and these rodents are often found near homes.
Methodology
Rodents were trapped in various environments to identify hantavirus reservoirs and assess their association with human cases of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome.
Limitations
The study's findings are limited by the small sample sizes in some site categories, making conclusions tentative.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
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