Interim guidance for minimizing risk for human lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus infection associated with rodents

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Infectious Diseases
• Veterinary Medicine

Background:

• Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) is a potentially serious zoonotic pathogen.
• LCMV can be transmitted from rodents to humans, posing risks to immunocompromised individuals.
• Organ transplant recipients are particularly vulnerable to opportunistic infections.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the source and transmission of an LCMV outbreak in organ transplant recipients.
• To identify the role of pet rodents in the LCMV transmission chain.
• To provide guidance on reducing LCMV infection risk from pet rodents.

Main Methods:

• Epidemiologic investigation of organ transplant recipients and their potential exposures.
• Source tracing of the infectious agent, identifying a common organ donor.
• LCMV testing of rodents from pet stores and distributors linked to the outbreak.

Main Results:

• Four organ transplant recipients were infected with LCMV from a common organ donor.
• The donor acquired LCMV from a pet hamster, linked to a specific distributor (distributor A).
• LCMV infection rates of approximately 3% were found in hamsters from distributor A.

Conclusions:

• Pet rodents, particularly hamsters, can be a source of LCMV infection.
• The outbreak underscores the importance of rodent source control in preventing human infections.
• Interim guidance is provided for the public to mitigate LCMV risks associated with pet rodents.