Dobrava-Belgrade virus

A virus causing hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome

The Dobrava-Belgrade virus (DOBV) is a member of the genus Orthohantavirus within the family Hantaviridae. It is known to cause hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS), a severe viral disease characterized by fever, hemorrhage, and renal dysfunction. The virus is primarily transmitted to humans through contact with the excreta of infected rodents.

Virology

Dobrava-Belgrade virus is an enveloped, single-stranded, negative-sense RNA virus. Its 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. The virus is closely related to other hantaviruses, such as Hantaan virus and Seoul virus, but is distinct in its genetic makeup and pathogenicity.

Transmission

The primary hosts of the Dobrava-Belgrade virus are rodents, particularly the striped field mouse (Apodemus agrarius) and the yellow-necked mouse (Apodemus flavicollis). Humans become infected through inhalation of aerosolized particles from rodent urine, droppings, or saliva. The virus does not spread from person to person.

The yellow-necked mouse (Apodemus flavicollis), another host of the virus

Clinical Features

Infection with Dobrava-Belgrade virus can lead to a range of clinical manifestations, from mild flu-like symptoms to severe HFRS. The disease typically progresses through five phases:

• Febrile phase: Sudden onset of fever, chills, headache, and myalgia.
• Hypotensive phase: Drop in blood pressure, which can lead to shock.
• Oliguric phase: Reduced urine output and renal failure.
• Diuretic phase: Increased urine output as kidney function begins to recover.
• Convalescent phase: Gradual recovery of renal function and resolution of symptoms.

Epidemiology

Dobrava-Belgrade virus is endemic in parts of Europe, particularly in the Balkans, where it has been associated with outbreaks of HFRS. The distribution of the virus correlates with the habitats of its rodent hosts. Human cases are often linked to agricultural activities or other situations where individuals are exposed to rodent-infested environments.

Prevention and Control

Preventive measures focus on reducing human exposure to rodent excreta. This includes rodent control, proper sanitation, and public education about the risks of hantavirus infection. In endemic areas, individuals are advised to avoid contact with rodents and to take precautions when cleaning areas that may be contaminated with rodent droppings.

Related pages

• Hantavirus
• Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome
• Orthohantavirus