Hantavirus Infections

Hantaviruses belonging to the Bunyaviridae family, and the genus Hantavirus, are a group of rodent- or insectivore-borne RNA viruses. Each Hantavirus type is carried by a specific rodent host species. Up to now, approximately 45 hantavirus types have been isolated and at least 20 have been identified as infectious agents in humans. Hantaviruses mostly cause asymptomatic but chronic infections in rodents. Rodents spread the viruses on the surfaces in the environment with their urine and feces during several months. Hantavirus types which exist in the Americas (Sin Nombre virus, Andes virus, Laguna Negra virus, New York virus etc.) cause Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) and the fatality rate of the disease is quite high (around 30%). Hantavirus types which exist in Europe and Asia (Hantaan virus [HTNV], Seoul virus [SEOV], Dobrova virus [DOBV], Puumala virus [PUUV]) cause hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS). HTNV and SEOV in Asia, and PUUV and DOBV in Europe are the major agents of HFRS. Infection caused by HTNV or DOBV is a more serious disease with a fatality rate around 5-10%, while infection caused by PUUV is a mild disease with a fatality rate around 0.1%. Ribavirin was found to be effective in the treatment of HFRS in a few studies conducted in China and Korea. However, it was found to be ineffective in the treatment of HPS in America. The most effective method for prevention seems to be vaccination and studies are still ongoing for a safe and effective vaccine. The first human hantavirus outbreak in Turkey confirmed clinically and serologically was detected in the Zonguldak-Bart n region in February 2009. PUUV and DOBV were isolated from tissue samples of rodents captured in the outbreak region by using polymerase chain reaction and viral cell culture. Considering the current rodent and insectivore species in the country, in addition to PUUV and DOBV, the presence of Saaremaa virus, SEOV, Tula virus and Seewis virus may be anticipated in Turkey.