Infectious agent:
Hanta viruses (a genus of the family Bunyaviridae, the only genus without an arthropod vector). It is 3 – segmented RNA viruses with spherical to oval particles, 95 – 110 nanometers in diameters. THere are > 25 antigenically distinguishable viral species, each associated primarily with a single rodent species. Seoul virus is found worldwide, Puumula virus in Europe, Hantaan virus principally in Asia, less often in Europe, Dobrava (Belgrade) virus in Serbia and Montenegro (formerly the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia).
Identification:
Acute zoonotic viral disease with abrupt onset of fever, low back pain, varying degrees of hemorrhagic manifestations and renal involvement.Severe illness is associated with Hantaan (primarily in Asia) and Dobrava virus (in the Balkans)
Lab diagnosis:
Diagnosis is through demonstration of specific antibodies at the time of hospitalization. The presence of proteinuria, leukocytosis, hemoconcentration, thrombocytopenia and elevated BUN supports the diagnosis. Hantaviruses can be propagated in a limited range of cell cultures and laboratory rats and mice, mainly for research purposes.
Hanta viruses (a genus of the family Bunyaviridae, the only genus without an arthropod vector). It is 3 – segmented RNA viruses with spherical to oval particles, 95 – 110 nanometers in diameters. THere are > 25 antigenically distinguishable viral species, each associated primarily with a single rodent species. Seoul virus is found worldwide, Puumula virus in Europe, Hantaan virus principally in Asia, less often in Europe, Dobrava (Belgrade) virus in Serbia and Montenegro (formerly the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia).
Identification:
Acute zoonotic viral disease with abrupt onset of fever, low back pain, varying degrees of hemorrhagic manifestations and renal involvement.Severe illness is associated with Hantaan (primarily in Asia) and Dobrava virus (in the Balkans)
Lab diagnosis:
Diagnosis is through demonstration of specific antibodies at the time of hospitalization. The presence of proteinuria, leukocytosis, hemoconcentration, thrombocytopenia and elevated BUN supports the diagnosis. Hantaviruses can be propagated in a limited range of cell cultures and laboratory rats and mice, mainly for research purposes.
