Hantavirus Prevalence in the IX Region of Chile

• Main Authors: Marlis Täger Frey, Pablo C. Vial, Constanza H. Castillo, Paula M. Godoy, Brian Hjelle, Marcela G. Ferrés
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2003-07-01
• Series: Emerging Infectious Diseases
• Subjects: hantavirus seroprevalence; hantavirus asymptomatic infection; hantavirus epidemiology; hantavirus diagnosis; research; Chile
• Online Access: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/9/7/02-0587_article

An epidemiologic and seroprevalence survey was conducted (n=830) to assess proportion of persons exposed to hantavirus in IX Region Chile, which accounts for 25% of reported cases of hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome. This region has three geographic areas with different disease incidences and a high proportion of aboriginals. Serum samples were tested for immunoglobulin (Ig) G antibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay against Sin Nombre virus N antigen by strip immunoblot assay against Sin Nombre, Puumala, Río Mamoré, and Seoul N antigens. Samples from six patients were positive for IgG antibodies reactive with Andes virus; all patients lived in the Andes Mountains. Foresting was also associated with seropositivity; but not sex, age, race, rodent exposure, or farming activities. Exposure to hantavirus varies in different communities of IX Region. Absence of history of pneumonia or hospital admission in persons with specific IgG antibodies suggests that infection is clinically inapparent.