Arenaviruses and Filoviruses

Abstract

This chapter focuses on the viruses capable of causing viral hemorrhagic fever (VHF) from two taxa, the families Arenaviridae and Filoviridae . Some members of these virus families can cause severe VHF with high mortality in localized areas of the world. Continuing detection and isolation of new arenavirus and filovirus species from new geographic locations remains important for public health. Human infection with filoviruses and arenaviruses can cause a wide spectrum of illness. For virus isolation, antigen detection, and RT‐PCR, serum, heparinized plasma, or whole blood should be collected during the acute, febrile stages of illness and frozen on dry ice or in liquid nitrogen vapor. Most arenavirus and filovirus species grow well in cell culture. Early diagnosis of arenavirus and filovirus infections is desirable since specific monoclonal antibody treatments and appropriately selected antiviral drugs are, in certain cases, effective when treatment is initiated soon after onset.