Hantaviruses in Rodents in Northern Greece
Author Information
Author(s): Anna Papa, James N. Mills, Sophie Kouidou, Benjiang Ma, Evagelia Papadimitriou, Antonis Antoniadis
Primary Institution: Aristotelian University of Thessaloniki
Hypothesis
Hantaviruses are transmitted when aggressive male animals fight.
Conclusion
The study identifies A. flavicollis as the reservoir of Dobrava virus in northern Greece and highlights the need for further research.
Supporting Evidence
- Eight A. flavicollis were positive for hantavirus infection, indicating a 13% prevalence.
- Seropositive A. flavicollis were mostly male and had more scars, suggesting a link to hantavirus transmission.
- The study provides the first evidence of hantavirus infection in Rattus in Greece.
Takeaway
Researchers found that a type of virus called Dobrava is carried by a common rodent in Greece, and they need to study it more to understand how it spreads.
Methodology
Rodents were trapped and sampled, and blood and tissue samples were tested for hantavirus using serological and molecular methods.
Limitations
The study is preliminary and calls for more intensive reservoir studies.
Participant Demographics
The study involved small mammals, primarily A. flavicollis and R. rattus.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p=0.02; p=0.05
Statistical Significance
p=0.02; p=0.05
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