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The Erve virus: possible mode of transmission and reservoir
R Woessner1, M T Grauer, J Langenbach
1Dept of Neurology, Westpfalz Clinic, Kaiserslautern, Germany.
Abstract:
The Erve virus is suspected to cause severe headache in humans, lasting several days (thunderclap headache). Mice are characterized as a probable reservoir for the Erve virus. We tested 396 wild mice for Erve virus using an immunofluorescence test and found Erve virus antibodies in five cases, showing that small mammals form a reservoir for Erve virus. If ticks are the vector for the virus, a coincidence with borreliosis should exist. We were unable to confirm this in a homogeneous cohort of 955 young men, 62 of whom tested positive for borreliosis. This group did not test positive significantly more often in the immunofluorescence test than a gender- and age-matched control group.
Insights
Small mammals, like mice, are reservoirs for the Erve virus, which may cause severe headaches in humans. Studies found no link between Erve virus and borreliosis in young men, suggesting ticks are not the primary vector.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Epidemiology
- Mammalogy
Background:
- The Erve virus is a suspected cause of severe thunderclap headaches in humans.
- Small mammals, particularly mice, are considered potential reservoirs for the Erve virus.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate small mammals as reservoirs for the Erve virus.
- To determine if a correlation exists between Erve virus infection and borreliosis in humans, suggesting a tick vector.
Main Methods:
- Immunofluorescence testing was used to detect Erve virus antibodies in 396 wild mice.
- Borreliosis status was assessed in a cohort of 955 young men, with a comparison to a control group for Erve virus prevalence.
Main Results:
- Erve virus antibodies were detected in 5 out of 396 wild mice, confirming small mammals as a reservoir.
- No significant difference in Erve virus positivity was found between young men with borreliosis and the control group.
Conclusions:
- Small mammals serve as a reservoir for the Erve virus.
- The study did not find evidence to support ticks as the primary vector for Erve virus transmission to humans, as no link with borreliosis was established.