Andes virus

Andes virus

The Andes virus is a species of hantavirus that is endemic to South America. It is known for causing Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), a severe respiratory disease in humans. The virus is named after the Andes mountain range, where it was first identified.

Virology

The Andes virus belongs to the Hantaviridae family, which is part of the order Bunyavirales. It is an enveloped virus with a single-stranded, negative-sense RNA genome. The genome 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

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The long-tailed pygmy rice rat (Oligoryzomys longicaudatus) is a primary reservoir of the Andes virus.

The primary reservoir of the Andes virus is the long-tailed pygmy rice rat (Oligoryzomys longicaudatus), which is found in the southern regions of South America. The virus is transmitted to humans through inhalation of aerosolized particles from rodent excreta, such as urine, droppings, or saliva. Unlike other hantaviruses, the Andes virus is also capable of human-to-human transmission, which has been documented in several outbreaks.

Clinical Features

Infection with the Andes virus can lead to Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, which is characterized by flu-like symptoms that can rapidly progress to severe respiratory distress. Early symptoms include fever, muscle aches, and fatigue, followed by cough and shortness of breath. The disease can be fatal, with a mortality rate of 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 RT-PCR that identify viral RNA in patient samples. Early diagnosis is crucial for effective management of the disease.

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. Preventive measures focus on reducing exposure to rodent reservoirs and include rodent control, proper sanitation, and public health education.

Epidemiology

The Andes virus is primarily found in Argentina and Chile, with sporadic cases reported in neighboring countries. Outbreaks are often associated with increased rodent populations, which can be influenced by environmental factors such as climate and food availability.

Related pages

• Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome
• Hantavirus
• Bunyavirales