Hantavirus infections in Greece - an update

Hantaviruses are emerging viruses spread worldwide and cause hemorrhagic fe ver with renal syndrome (HFRS) or hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS). Two pathogenic hantaviruses are present in Greece: Dobrava/Belgrade virus (DOBV ) and Puumala virus (PUUV). The predominant one is DOBV, carried in Greece by the rodent Apodemus flavicollis. Most human infections are sporadic, but epidemic outbreaks were also described. The severity of the disease ranges from a mild or moderate form to severe and fatal cases. Several endemic fo ci for HFRS have been identified. Phylogenetic analysis of hantavirus seque nces revealed a stable geographical distribution.