Orthohantavirus

Orthohantavirus is a genus of viruses in the family Hantaviridae. Orthohantaviruses are enveloped viruses with a genomic structure of three single-stranded, negative sense RNA segments. The viruses are primarily rodent-borne and are responsible for several types of hantavirus infections in humans, which can lead to severe and often fatal respiratory or hemorrhagic diseases.

Classification

Orthohantaviruses are classified into four sections based on their antigenic properties and the rodent host species: the Hantaan-like viruses, the Seoul-like viruses, the Puumala-like viruses, and the Sin Nombre-like viruses. Each section contains multiple virus species.

Transmission

Orthohantaviruses are primarily transmitted to humans through inhalation of aerosolized virus particles from the feces, urine, or saliva of infected rodents. Direct contact with infected rodents or their droppings, and rarely, rodent bites, can also result in transmission.

Diseases

Orthohantaviruses can cause two types of diseases in humans: Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) and Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS). Both diseases have high mortality rates and are characterized by sudden onset of fever, fatigue, and other flu-like symptoms, followed by respiratory or renal failure.

Prevention and Control

Prevention of orthohantavirus infections primarily involves avoiding contact with rodents and taking precautions to prevent rodent infestations. There is currently no specific antiviral treatment for orthohantavirus infections, and treatment is primarily supportive.

See Also

• Hantavirus
• Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome
• Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome
• Rodent-borne diseases

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  Sin Nombre virus under a transmission electron microscope
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  Rötelmaus (bank vole)
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  Deer mouse
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  NOAA Niño
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  Sin Nombre virus under a transmission electron microscope