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Updated: Jul 10, 2026
08:34
Highly Sensitive Assay for Measurement of Arenavirus-cell Attachment
Published on: March 2, 2016
Pathogenic hantaviruses, northeastern Argentina and eastern Paraguay
Paula Padula1, Valeria P Martinez, Carla Bellomo
1Departamento de Virología, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Infecciosas ANLIS "Dr. Carlos, Buenos Aires, Argentina. ppadula@gmail.com
Emerging Infectious Diseases
|October 24, 2007
Summary
First cases of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome in northeastern Argentina and eastern Paraguay were identified. New hantavirus lineages were detected in rodents, highlighting potential risks in the region.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Epidemiology
- Zoonotic Diseases
Background:
- Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) is a severe respiratory illness caused by hantaviruses.
- Geographic distribution of hantaviruses and their rodent reservoirs is crucial for understanding disease transmission.
Observation:
- First documented cases of HPS in northeastern Argentina and eastern Paraguay are reported.
- Andes virus and Juquitiba virus (JUQV) were identified and characterized.
- JUQV was detected in Oligoryzomys nigripes rodents in Misiones.
Findings:
- A novel hantavirus lineage, carried by Akodon rodents, was discovered in the Biologic Reserve of Limoy.
- Genetic characterization of identified hantaviruses provides insights into their diversity.
Implications:
- These findings expand the known geographic range of HPS and associated hantaviruses.
- The discovery of a new Akodon-borne lineage necessitates further investigation into its pathogenicity and transmission potential.
- Enhanced surveillance and rodent control measures are recommended for public health protection in the affected areas.
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