Epidemiology of Hantavirus Infections in the United States
Abstract
During this contract we have successfully detected the first human cases of HFRS in the United States, and have begun to characterize the acute symptoms and findings of the illness. Infection rate was approximately 2.4/1000 among individuals from Baltimore without specific risk factors for exposure, but was much higher in certain populations. Risk of exposure to rodents was highest among inner city, older males who owned dogs. Hantaviral infection was significantly associated with hypertension and hypertensive renal disease, suggesting infection may require long-term, medially intensive therapy in some cases. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methodology has been adapted for use with hantaviruses, and has been utilized to identify virus in naturally infected animals. This provides a method for rapid surveillance and diagnosis. Restriction fragment length polymorphism techniques have been applied to PCR products to permit identification of hantaviral strains. Details of the research conducted during this contract can be found in the midterm report dated 8 July 1991.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 09, 1991
- Accession Number
- ADA241872
Entities
People
- Alan J. Watson
- Curri Glass
- E. Gregory
- James E. Childs
- Ray Arthur
Organizations
- Johns Hopkins University