Ecology of Neglected Rodent-Borne American Orthohantaviruses

Abstract

The number of documented American orthohantaviruses has increased significantly over recent decades, but most fundamental research has remained focused on just two of them: Andes virus (ANDV) and Sin Nombre virus (SNV). The majority of American orthohantaviruses are known to cause disease in humans, and most of these pathogenic strains were not described prior to human cases, indicating the importance of understanding all members of the virus clade. In this review, we summarize information on the ecology of under-studied rodent-borne American orthohantaviruses to form general conclusions and highlight important gaps in knowledge. Information regarding the presence and genetic diversity of many orthohantaviruses throughout the distributional range of their hosts is minimal and would significantly benefit from virus isolations to indicate a reservoir role. Additionally, few studies have investigated the mechanisms underlying transmission routes and factors affecting the environmental persistence of orthohantaviruses, limiting our understanding of factors driving prevalence fluctuations. As landscapes continue to change, host ranges and human exposure to orthohantaviruses likely will as well. Research on the ecology of neglected orthohantaviruses is necessary for understanding both current and future threats to human health.

Emerging Hantaviruses in Central Argentina: first case of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome caused by Alto Paraguay Virus and a novel orthohantavirus in Scapteromys aquaticus rodent

“…The knowledge gaps on lack of evidence about the role of some rodent species as reservoirs hosts of these hantaviruses, favors the risk of orthohantavirus transmission and hinders HPS prevention. Environmental disturbances, such as floods and anthropogenic perturbations, may affect the geographic distribution, abundance and dynamics of rodent species as well as contact between humans and rodents [33, 34].…”

Breeding and hibernation of captive meadow jumping mice (Zapus hudsonius)

“…However, standard precautions were taken during field work and the initial stages of animal husbandry because Peromyscus spp. in the trapping area are known reservoirs of Hantavirus [38] and the potential for the presence of additional pathogens in the meadow jumping mice was unknown. Once collected, the captured animals were quarantined and tested for zoonotic diseases, known rodent pathogens, and endo-and ectoparasites.…”

Breeding and hibernation of captive meadow jumping mice (Zapus hudsonius)

“…in the trapping area are known reservoirs of Hantavirus [35] and the potential for the presence of additional pathogens in the meadow jumping mice was unknown. Once collected, the captured animals were quarantined and tested for zoonotic diseases, an extensive panel of rodent pathogens, and endo-and ectoparasites.…”