Dobrava hantavirus (DOBV) infection was diagnosed in a previously healthy 46-y-old hunter suffering from severe haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS). Specific IgM antibodies against DOBV were identified by an immunofluorescence assay, while viral nucleic acid was detected by the molecular method, confirming the diagnosis. Our results reveal an existing risk of DOBV transmission to humans in Hungary.

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Objectives: The aim of the study was to survey the prevalence of human hantavirus infections among forestry workers, who are considered a risk population for contracting the disease. Sera collected from volunteers were tested for antibodies against Dobrava-Belgrade (DOBV) and Puumala (PUUV) viruses. Material and Methods: For serological analyses, full capsid proteins of DOBV and PUUV viruses were produced in a bacterial expression system, while Ni-resin was used for protein purification. Samples were screened for anti-hantavirus antibodies by ELISA, results were confirmed by Western blot analysis. Results: A total of 835 samples collected from 750 males and 85 females were tested by indirect ELISA and positive test results were confirmed by Western blot assay. Out of the 45 ELISA-reactive samples, 38 were confirmed by Western blot analysis. The regional distribution of seropositive individuals was as follows: 1.9% (2/107) in the Danube-Tisza Plateau (Great Plains), 3.1% (10/321) in the Southern Transdanubian region, 5.2% (13/248) in the Northern Transdanubian, and 8.2% (13/159) in the North Hungarian Mountains. Conclusions: Our data show marked geographic differences in seroprevalence of pathogenic hantaviruses within Hungary, indicating elevated exposure to hantavirus infections in some areas.

Tula hantavirus (TULV) is a member of the genus Hantavirus, family Bunyaviridae and is mainly carried by the European common vole (Microtus arvalis). In order to detect TULV, we tested Microtus arvalis (MAR) and Microtus subterraneus (MSU) voles captured in two different locations of the Southern Transdanubian region of Hungary. The viral genome was detectable in 37% of the tested MAR voles but, interestingly, was absent in all MSU. Phylogenetic analysis performed with a partial coding sequence of the capsid gene showed that Hungarian TULV strains clustered with viruses detected in western Slovakia and in the Czech Republic. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the identification of TULV detected in MAR voles in the Transdanubian region of Hungary.