Serologic Evidence of Hantavirus Exposure in Humans, Italy, 2004-2018

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Virology
• Public Health

Background:

• Rodentborne hantaviruses and lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) are known to circulate in northern Italy.
• However, these infections are infrequently diagnosed in the region.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence of LCMV and hantavirus infections in patients from northern Italy.
• To determine if there is evidence of local hantavirus circulation.

Main Methods:

• Serological testing for IgG antibodies against LCMV and hantaviruses was performed on 371 patient samples collected between 2004 and 2018.
• Puumala virus-specific neutralizing antibodies were confirmed in positive cases.

Main Results:

• Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) IgG antibodies were detected in 2.7% of samples.
• Hantavirus IgG antibodies were detected in 7.3% of samples.
• Ten cases showed Puumala virus-neutralizing antibodies, confirming local hantavirus circulation.

Conclusions:

• The findings indicate unrecognized circulation of hantaviruses in northern Italy.
• Increased diagnostic vigilance for rodentborne hantaviruses and LCMV is warranted in this region.