INTERSPECIFIC COMPARISON OF HANTAVIRUS PREVALENCE IN PEROMYSCUS POPULATIONS FROM A FRAGMENTED AGRO-ECOSYSTEM IN
Jacob L Berl1,2, Amy J Kuenzi3, Elizabeth A Flaherty1
11 Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Purdue University, 715 W State Street, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, USA.
Abstract:
Comparatively little is known about hantavirus prevalence within rodent populations from the Midwestern US, where two species of native mice, the prairie deer mouse ( Peromyscus maniculatus bairdii) and the white-footed mouse ( Peromyscus leucopus noveboracensis), are dominant members of rodent communities. We sampled both species in central Indiana and tested individuals for presence of hantavirus antibodies to determine whether seroprevalence (percent of individuals with antibodies reactive to Sin Nombre virus antigen) differed between species, or among different habitat types within fragmented agro-ecosystems. Prevalence of hantavirus antibodies varied significantly between species, with seroprevalence in prairie deer mice (21.0%) being nearly four times higher than in white-footed mice (5.5%). Seroprevalence was almost eight times higher within the interior of row-crop fields (37.7%) occupied solely by prairie deer mouse populations, relative to field edges (5.2%) or adjacent forest habitat (6.1%). In the fragmented Midwestern agro-ecosystem of this study, prairie deer mice appear to be the dominant hantavirus reservoir, with particularly high seroprevalence in populations within the interior of row-crop fields.
Insights
Hantavirus antibodies were more common in prairie deer mice than white-footed mice in Indiana. Seroprevalence was highest in prairie deer mice within row-crop fields, indicating they are a key reservoir.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Epidemiology
- Mammalogy
Background:
- Hantavirus prevalence in Midwestern US rodent populations remains understudied.
- Prairie deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus bairdii) and white-footed mice (Peromyscus leucopus noveboracensis) dominate regional rodent communities.
- Fragmented agro-ecosystems present unique ecological challenges and potential disease reservoirs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine hantavirus seroprevalence in prairie deer mice and white-footed mice in central Indiana.
- To compare seroprevalence between the two dominant mouse species.
- To assess how habitat type influences hantavirus seroprevalence within a fragmented agro-ecosystem.
Main Methods:
- Rodent populations of prairie deer mice and white-footed mice were sampled in central Indiana.
- Hantavirus antibodies were tested in sampled individuals to determine seroprevalence.
- Seroprevalence data were analyzed to identify differences between species and habitat types.
Main Results:
- Hantavirus seroprevalence significantly differed between species: 21.0% in prairie deer mice vs. 5.5% in white-footed mice.
- Seroprevalence was substantially higher in the interior of row-crop fields (37.7%) compared to field edges (5.2%) and forest habitats (6.1%).
- Prairie deer mouse populations within row-crop fields exhibited the highest seroprevalence.
Conclusions:
- Prairie deer mice are the dominant hantavirus reservoir in this Midwestern agro-ecosystem.
- Habitat type, specifically the interior of row-crop fields, is associated with significantly higher hantavirus seroprevalence.
- Findings highlight the ecological factors influencing hantavirus transmission in fragmented agricultural landscapes.
