Pet Rats as the Likely Reservoir for Human Seoul Orthohantavirus Infection

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Zoonotic Pathogens
• Veterinary Medicine

Background:

• Seoul orthohantavirus (SEOV) is a globally distributed, rat-associated zoonotic pathogen.
• The first German human case of SEOV-induced hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome was linked to a pet rat in 2019.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the reservoir of Seoul orthohantavirus (SEOV) in pet rats in Germany.
• To determine the genetic relatedness of SEOV strains found in rats to other European and global isolates.
• To assess the prevalence of SEOV in pet, breeder, and wild rat populations in Germany and the Netherlands.

Main Methods:

• Detection of SEOV RNA and antibodies in pet rats linked to a human case.
• Whole-genome sequencing of SEOV from infected rats.
• Serological screening of rats from breeding facilities and wild populations in Germany and the Netherlands.

Main Results:

• SEOV RNA and antibodies were detected in pet rats from two owners in Germany.
• Sequencing revealed high similarity between German rat-derived SEOV and strains from the Netherlands, France, USA, and UK.
• Low seroprevalence was found in breeder and wild rats, with no SEOV RNA detected in these groups.

Conclusions:

• Pet rats can act as a reservoir for Seoul orthohantavirus (SEOV), posing a zoonotic risk.
• Further surveillance of pet, breeder, and wild rats is crucial for understanding SEOV origins in Europe and preventing human transmission.