Epidemiology of Hantavirus Infections in Baltimore

Abstract

The mammal fauna within Baltimore was surveyed for evidence of hantaviral infections, and the infecting viruses were characterized. Evidence of exposure was found in most species but Norway rats and meadow voles appeared to be the primary reservoirs. They were infected with Baltimore rat virus (BRV) and Prospect Hill virus (PHV), respectively. There was no evidence of cross- infection even in the same study sites. Seroprevalence in humans occurred at rates of 1.3-8.7%, depending on the population examined and the serological test that was used. Comparative serological testing indicated that an IgG ELISA coupled with a confirmatory Western blot provided excellent evidence of exposure to hantaviruses. By these criteria, exposure to hantaviruses in the human samples was 13/1000. Among this group a disproportionate number of individuals demonstrated chronic renal insufficiency or failure. Keywords: Hemorrhagic fever; Epidemic; Hantavirus; Disease reservoirs; Rattus Norvegicus; Immunoglobin G.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 09, 1988
Accession Number
ADA197172

Entities

People

  • Gregory E. Gurri-glass
  • James E. Childs

Organizations

  • Johns Hopkins University

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Alcohols
  • Animals
  • Antigens
  • Blood
  • Bunyaviridae Infections
  • Cells
  • Diseases And Disorders
  • Health Services
  • Infection
  • Kidney Diseases
  • Laboratory Animals
  • Lagomorphs
  • Reservoirs
  • Rodents
  • United States
  • Viruses
  • Wound Infections

Fields of Study

  • Biology

Readers

  • Virology (or Medical Virology).