[Hantavirus specific IgG antibodies in population of zoologists and forest workers]

Serological diagnostic tests were introduced for detection of immunoresponse against to etiological agents of current infectious diseases. Interpretation criteria for those tests should eliminate unspecific reactions, cross-reactivity with related viruses as well as traces amounts of immunological response against to the past infections. In the case of past hantaviruses infections for obtaining an adequate seroepidemiological data revalidation of this tests are required. In present studies Puumala IgG results obtained in sera from healthy population had been analysed by statistical method and interpretation criteria were recalculated. Panels of 86 sera from forest workers and 47 zoologists working with small mammals were evaluated for hantavirus specific IgG (Hantavirus Puumala ELISA test). Puumala specific antibodies were detected in 7 zoologist's sera and in 5 sera gave equivocal results. All sera collected from forest's workers were negative. Statistical analysis based on negative results in forest workers group suggests that the cut off of the ELISA test suitable for diagnosis of suspected nephropathia epidemica cases is too restrictive for seroepidemiological research of hantavirus in healthy population.