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Updated: Jun 23, 2026
Influenza A Virus Studies in a Mouse Model of Infection
Published on: September 7, 2017
Seasonal variation in Sin Nombre virus infections in deer mice: preliminary results
M Denise Dearing1, M Andrea Previtali, Jeremy D Jones
1Department of Biology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA. denise.dearing@utah.edu
Abstract:
The proportion of deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) with recently acquired Sin Nombre virus (SNV) infections is an indicator of epizootic intensity and may be key in predicting outbreaks of hantavirus cardio-pulmonary syndrome in humans. We investigated whether incidence of recent infections was related to season, sex, reproductive status, or habitat disturbance. In May and September, 2006, we sampled 912 deer mice at six sites in Utah. We determined SNV antibody prevalence and estimated the number of recent infections with an avidity enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Antibody prevalence in adults (n = 735) was 22%, and putative maternal antibody prevalence in juveniles (n = 177) was 7%. Sampling period explained a significant amount of the variance in the probability of recent infections, which were two times more common in May versus September. Additionally, prevalence of high-avidity maternal antibodies (i.e., from dams with older infections) in juveniles did not correspond to the antibody avidity patterns in adult females. In May, no juveniles had high-avidity antibodies compared to adult females (49%); in September, avidity could not be measured in juveniles because none were seropositive, despite large sample sizes (n = 84) and an 11% seroprevalence in adult females. Based on the results, coupled with those from the literature, we speculate that the majority of new infections may occur predominantly in the spring and that SNV may impair reproductive output of females.
Insights
Deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) show more Sin Nombre virus (SNV) infections in spring. This finding aids in predicting hantavirus cardio-pulmonary syndrome outbreaks in humans.
Area of Science:
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
- Virology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Sin Nombre virus (SNV) infections in deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) indicate epizootic intensity.
- Understanding recent SNV infection dynamics is crucial for predicting hantavirus cardio-pulmonary syndrome outbreaks in humans.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between recent SNV infections in deer mice and factors such as season, sex, reproductive status, and habitat disturbance.
- To determine if seasonal patterns influence the incidence of new SNV infections in deer mice.
Main Methods:
- Sampled 912 deer mice across six sites in Utah during May and September 2006.
- Utilized an avidity enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to determine SNV antibody prevalence and estimate recent infections.
- Analyzed antibody prevalence and avidity in adult and juvenile deer mice.
Main Results:
- Overall SNV antibody prevalence was 22% in adults and 7% in juveniles.
- Recent SNV infections were twice as common in May compared to September, indicating a significant seasonal effect.
- Juvenile antibody avidity patterns did not consistently reflect those of adult females, suggesting distinct infection or maternal transfer dynamics.
Conclusions:
- The majority of new SNV infections in deer mice likely occur predominantly in the spring.
- SNV infection may potentially impair the reproductive output of female deer mice.
- Seasonal monitoring of SNV in deer mice is important for predicting human disease risk.
