Sin Nombre Virus in Deer Mice Captured Inside Homes, Southwestern Montana
Author Information
Author(s): Amy J. Kuenzi, Richard J. Douglass, Clifford W. Bond
Primary Institution: Montana Tech, Butte, Montana, USA
Hypothesis
What is the prevalence of Sin Nombre virus in deer mice captured in urban and suburban homes?
Conclusion
The overall prevalence of antibodies reactive with Sin Nombre virus in deer mice invading homes was 20%.
Supporting Evidence
- Seven mice from seven of the homes were seropositive for antibodies to SNV, an overall prevalence of 20%.
- More adult than subadult and juvenile mice were captured inside homes.
- Most seropositive mice (71.4%) were male, and over 50% of these were adult.
Takeaway
This study found that 20% of deer mice in homes had a virus that can cause a serious disease in humans, and most of these infected mice were adult males.
Methodology
Deer mice were captured using Sherman live traps in urban and suburban homes, and blood samples were tested for antibodies to Sin Nombre virus.
Limitations
The study was conducted in a nonoutbreak area, and the sample size may not represent broader populations.
Participant Demographics
The study involved deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) captured from urban and suburban homes in southwestern Montana.
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