Hantavirus RNA in Saliva from HFRS Patients
Author Information
Author(s): Pettersson Lisa, Klingström Jonas, Hardestam Jonas, Lundkvist Åke, Ahlm Clas, Evander Magnus
Primary Institution: Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
Hypothesis
Can hantavirus RNA be detected in the saliva of patients with hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome?
Conclusion
Hantavirus RNA can be detected in the saliva of patients several days after the onset of disease symptoms.
Supporting Evidence
- PUUV RNA was detected in saliva from 10 out of 14 patients.
- The range of PUUV RNA copies in saliva was between 1,530 and 121,323 copies/mL.
- Identical PUUV S-segment sequences were found in saliva and plasma from the same patients.
- All patients were positive for PUUV RNA in plasma.
- Seven patients exhibited respiratory symptoms, and most had PUUV RNA in their saliva.
Takeaway
Doctors found virus in the spit of sick patients, which might mean people can spread the virus through saliva.
Methodology
Saliva and plasma samples were collected from hospitalized patients and analyzed for PUUV RNA using real-time reverse transcription–PCR.
Limitations
The study did not determine if the detected RNA was infectious or if it could lead to transmission between humans.
Participant Demographics
Patients were hospitalized with nephropathia epidemica, a milder form of HFRS, during an outbreak in northern Sweden.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website