Sabia virus

background-color: rgb(250,250,190)" background-color: rgb(250,250,190)"

colspan=2 style="text-align: center; background-color: rgb(250,250,190)" | Sabia virus
colspan=2 style="min-width:15em; text-align: center; background-color: rgb(250,250,190)" | Virus classification
Species	Sabia virus

The Sabia virus is a member of the Arenaviridae family, which is known to cause viral hemorrhagic fevers in humans. It is an RNA virus and is classified under the genus Arenavirus. The virus was first identified in Brazil and is named after the location where it was discovered.

Discovery and History

The Sabia virus was first isolated in 1990 from a fatal case of hemorrhagic fever in a female agricultural worker in São Paulo, Brazil. The virus was named after the Sabia neighborhood where the patient lived. Subsequent investigations identified the virus as a new member of the New World arenaviruses, which are primarily found in the Americas.

Virology

The Sabia virus is an enveloped virus with a bi-segmented, single-stranded, negative-sense RNA genome. Like other arenaviruses, it has two genomic segments: the L segment, which encodes the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase and a zinc-binding protein, and the S segment, which encodes the nucleoprotein and the glycoprotein precursor. The glycoprotein precursor is cleaved into two glycoproteins, GP1 and GP2, which are involved in host cell entry.

Transmission

The natural reservoir of the Sabia virus is believed to be rodents, similar to other arenaviruses. Human infections occur through direct contact with infected rodent excreta or through aerosols. Human-to-human transmission can occur through contact with infected bodily fluids, particularly in healthcare settings.

Clinical Manifestations

Infection with the Sabia virus can lead to a severe hemorrhagic fever characterized by fever, malaise, myalgia, and bleeding. The disease can progress rapidly, leading to shock and multi-organ failure. The case fatality rate is high, and there is no specific antiviral treatment available.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Sabia virus infection is primarily based on serological tests and molecular techniques such as RT-PCR to detect viral RNA. Due to the high risk of transmission, laboratory handling of specimens requires biosafety level 4 (BSL-4) precautions.

Prevention and Control

Preventive measures focus on reducing contact with rodent hosts and their excreta. In healthcare settings, strict infection control practices are essential to prevent nosocomial transmission. There is currently no vaccine available for Sabia virus.

Research and Development

Research on Sabia virus is ongoing, with efforts to better understand its pathogenesis, develop effective treatments, and explore potential vaccine candidates. The virus is studied under high-containment laboratory conditions due to its pathogenicity and potential for human-to-human transmission.

Also see

• Arenavirus
• Viral hemorrhagic fever
• Lassa fever
• Machupo virus
• Junin virus