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Exposure to rodents and rodent-borne viruses among persons with elevated occupational risk
Curtis L Fritz1, Charles F Fulhorst, Barryett Enge
1California Department of Health Services, Division of Communicable Disease Control, P.O. Box 942732, MS 486, Sacramento, CA 94234-7320, USA. cfritz@dhs.ca.gov
Abstract:
Persons who have frequent contact with rodents as part of their occupation may be at increased risk of exposure to rodent-borne viruses such as Sin Nombre virus (SNV), the agent of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, and Whitewater Arroyo virus (WWA), a New World arenavirus. Eighty-one persons with possible occupational exposure to rodents completed questionnaires and provided specimens for serologic testing. Seventy-two participants reported handling rodents as part of their job. The mean total number of rodents handled during participants' careers was approximately 2200. IgG antibody to lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus was detected in serum from one (1.2%) participant. IgG antibody to SNV, WWA, and Amapari viruses was not detected in any of the serum specimens. Despite considerable exposure to rodents, participants did not have significant serological evidence of exposure to rodent-borne viruses.
Insights
Occupational rodent handlers showed no significant serological evidence of exposure to common rodent-borne viruses like Sin Nombre virus (SNV) and Whitewater Arroyo virus (WWA). This study suggests lower risk than anticipated despite frequent rodent contact.
Area of Science:
- * Virology
- * Occupational Health
- * Epidemiology
Background:
- * Occupational exposure to rodents presents a risk for zoonotic viral infections.
- * Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (SNV) and New World arenaviruses (WWA) are significant rodent-borne pathogens.
Purpose of the Study:
- * To assess serological evidence of exposure to rodent-borne viruses in individuals with occupational rodent contact.
- * To evaluate the risk of viral transmission from rodents to occupationally exposed persons.
Main Methods:
- * Serologic testing (IgG antibody detection) was performed on serum specimens from 81 participants.
- * Participants completed questionnaires detailing occupational rodent handling history.
- * Assays targeted antibodies for lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus, SNV, WWA, and Amapari viruses.
Main Results:
- * One participant (1.2%) tested positive for IgG antibody to lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus.
- * No participants showed IgG antibodies to Sin Nombre virus, Whitewater Arroyo virus, or Amapari virus.
- * Seventy-two participants reported handling an average of 2200 rodents during their careers.
Conclusions:
- * Despite extensive occupational rodent exposure, significant serological evidence of infection with SNV, WWA, or Amapari viruses was not found.
- * The risk of exposure to these specific rodent-borne viruses may be lower than presumed in this occupational group.
- * Further research could explore other potential zoonotic agents or exposure pathways.