Evidence of human infection with a rat-associated Hantavirus in Baltimore, Maryland

Am J Epidemiol. 1988 Apr;127(4):875-8. doi: 10.1093/oxfordjournals.aje.a114871.

Abstract

Human sera obtained from two sources in Baltimore were tested for antibodies against a Hantavirus by a variety of techniques. Four persons out of 1,788 had hantaviral antibody as demonstrated by immunofluorescent assay, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and neutralizing assay. Neutralizing antibody titrations against three test viruses indicated that infections were caused by a rat-associated virus. Medical histories of two subjects indicated life-long residence in Baltimore and an absence of foreign travel, implicating a local source of infection.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Viral / analysis*
  • Bunyamwera virus / immunology*
  • Bunyaviridae / immunology*
  • Bunyaviridae Infections / epidemiology
  • Bunyaviridae Infections / immunology*
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
  • Female
  • Fluorescent Antibody Technique
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Maryland
  • Middle Aged
  • Rats

Substances

  • Antibodies, Viral