Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome.

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Infectious Diseases
• Pulmonology

Background:

• Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) is a severe, often fatal, respiratory illness.
• HPS is caused by New World hantaviruses, distinct from Old World hantaviruses causing hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS).
• Sin Nombre virus (SNV) and Andes virus (ANDV) are key HPS pathogens in the Americas.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current knowledge on HPS-associated hantaviruses.
• To summarize the characteristics and impact of these viruses.
• To highlight the pathogenesis of HPS.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of HPS-associated hantaviruses.
• Synthesis of data on virus classification, distribution, and clinical presentation.
• Analysis of HPS pathogenesis, focusing on endothelial cell infection and microvascular leakage.

Main Results:

• Hantaviruses are globally distributed, with distinct New World (HPS) and Old World (HFRS) groups.
• SNV and ANDV are major causes of HPS in North and South America, respectively.
• Pathogenic hantaviruses infect lung endothelium without cytopathic effects, causing critical microvascular leakage.

Conclusions:

• HPS is a significant public health concern with a high fatality rate (~40%).
• Understanding hantavirus-induced microvascular leakage is crucial for HPS pathogenesis.
• Continued research is vital given the recent discovery and rapid progression of HPS.