SEROLOGICAL EVIDENCE OF HUMAN HANTAVIRUS INFECTION IN ARGENTINA, BOLIVIA AND URUGUAY

A serological survey was conducted in 1985-1987 to determine the prese nce of infection for Hantavirus in the general population in Argentina , Uruguay, Paraguay and Bolivia, as well as among rodent-exposed labor atory workers in Argentina. Out of 748 individuals tested by immunoflu orescence 20 proved positive for Hantaan virus 76/118 strain of whom 1 6 also reacted against Seoul virus 80/39 strain and 2 against Puumala virus Sotkamo strain. Ten out of 72 Argentine laboratory workers were positive for the first 2 viruses by ELISA, immunofluorescence and/or p laque reduction neutralization test, in 4 of whom recent infection was demonstrated by IgM antibody presence. Inapparent Hantavirus infectio n was thus demonstrated for the first time in 2.7% of regional inhabit ants, together with 13.9% among rodent-exposed laboratory workers. Our data established the existence of human Hantavirus infection nearly 1 0 years before the recognition of clinical cases of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome and hantavirus pulmonary syndrome in Argentina.