Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 14, 2026

A Rat Model of EcoHIV Brain Infection
Published on: January 21, 2021
[Systemic hantavirus-infection in a comatose HIV patient]
Robert Larbig1, Clara Lehman, Dennis Rottländer
1Universitätsklinik II für Innere Medizin, Paracelsus Medizinische Universität Salzburg, Müllner Hauptstrasse 48, 5020, Salzburg, Österreich. r.larbig@salk.at
Symptoms:
A 40 year old, disoriented, HIV- and Hepatitis B positive male patient was admitted with 40.3 °C. Clinically he presented a sinustachycardia (160/min) and hypotension (70/60 mmHg).
Investigations/Diagnosis:
Laboratory analyses showed elevated infection parameters, azotemia, proteinuria and thrombopenia. CD(4+)T-helper cells: 320/µl (32 %), HIV RNA: <40 copies/ml, Hepatitis B DNA: 20800 copies/ml. Hantavirus serology (immunofluorescence antibody assay): 1:2048; serotype Puumala.
Treatment/Course:
An early-goal-directed therapy and antibiotic treatment with Piperacillin and Tazobactam was initiated. The patient developed a bipulmonal infiltrate and an acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS ) requiring tracheal intubation, as well as a triad of fever, renal failure and profound hemorrhagic symptoms. This led to the diagnosis of the Puumala infection. Due to the parallel HIV- and Hepatits B infection an antiretroviral therapy was initiated.
Conclusion:
In summary the Puumala infection bears the potential for a severe multi-organ failure, which is not typical for this usually benign infection.
Related Concept Videos
Acute Respiratory Failure-II
The underlying physiological abnormalities that contribute to hypoxemic respiratory failure include:
Acute Respiratory Failure-V
Ensure that patients are monitored continuously for their response to therapy, including changes in...
Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment
Arboviral Encephalitis
Cytomegalovirus Disease
Viral Meningitis