Andes virus

Andes Virus

The Andes virus is a species of hantavirus, a group of viruses that are known to cause hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) in humans. It is named after the Andes mountain range in South America, where it was first identified. The virus is primarily found in Argentina and Chile, and it is unique among hantaviruses because it can be transmitted from person to person.

Virology

Andes virus is an enveloped virus with a single-stranded, negative-sense RNA genome. It belongs to the family Hantaviridae and the genus Orthohantavirus. The genome of the Andes virus is segmented into three parts: the small (S), medium (M), and large (L) segments, which encode the nucleocapsid protein, glycoproteins, and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, respectively.

Transmission

The primary reservoir for the Andes virus is the long-tailed pygmy rice rat (*Oligoryzomys longicaudatus*). Humans can become infected through contact with the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents, or by inhaling aerosolized particles containing the virus. Unlike other hantaviruses, Andes virus can also be transmitted from person to person, particularly in close-contact settings.

Clinical Manifestations

Infection with the Andes virus can lead to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), a severe respiratory disease characterized by:

• Fever
• Muscle aches
• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Cough

The disease can progress rapidly, leading to respiratory failure and, in some cases, death. The case fatality rate for HPS caused by Andes virus is approximately 30-40%.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Andes virus infection is typically confirmed through serological tests that detect specific antibodies or through molecular techniques such as reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) that identify viral RNA in blood or tissue samples.

Treatment and Prevention

There is no specific antiviral treatment for Andes virus infection. Supportive care, including oxygen therapy and mechanical ventilation, is the mainstay of treatment for patients with severe respiratory symptoms. Prevention strategies focus on reducing exposure to rodent reservoirs and include:

• Sealing homes to prevent rodent entry
• Keeping food in rodent-proof containers
• Using traps to reduce rodent populations

Epidemiology

Andes virus is endemic to the southern regions of South America, particularly in Argentina and Chile. Outbreaks have been associated with increased rodent populations, often linked to environmental changes such as heavy rainfall or agricultural activities.

Also see

• Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome
• Hantaviridae
• Orthohantavirus
• Zoonosis