Juquitiba-like Hantavirus from 2 Nonrelated Rodent Species, Uruguay
2008

Juquitiba-like Hantavirus from Two Rodent Species in Uruguay

Sample size: 178 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Delfraro Adriana, Tomé Lorena, D’Elía Guillermo, Clara Mario, Achával Federico, Russi José C., Rodonz Juan R. Arbiza

Primary Institution: Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay

Hypothesis

Can hantavirus be carried by two nonrelated rodent species in Uruguay?

Conclusion

The study found that a Juquitiba-like hantavirus circulates in Maldonado, Uruguay, carried by two rodent species.

Supporting Evidence

  • Serologic and genetic analyses indicate that a Juquitiba-like hantavirus circulates in Maldonado, Uruguay.
  • The same hantavirus was found in two nonrelated rodent species.
  • Phylogenetic analyses showed a strong relationship between the viruses from Uruguay and those from Brazil and Argentina.

Takeaway

Scientists found a virus in two different types of rats in Uruguay, which usually don't share viruses. This means the virus might have jumped from one type of rat to another.

Methodology

Rodents were trapped and analyzed for seropositivity and viral RNA using RT-PCR.

Limitations

The study did not confirm whether the long-nosed mice are true reservoirs or just incidental hosts.

Participant Demographics

Rodents captured included Oligoryzomys nigripes and Oxymycterus nasutus.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.3201/eid1409.080455

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