| 1. |
- Connolly-Andersson, Anne-Marie, et al.
(author)
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Puumala virus infections associated with cardiovascular causes of death
- 2013
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In: Emerging Infectious Diseases. - : Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). - 1080-6040 .- 1080-6059. ; 19:1, s. 126-128
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We studied the causes of death of patients in Sweden with diagnoses of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) during 1997–2009. Cardiovascular disorders were a common cause of death during acute-phase HFRS and were the cause of death for >50% of those who died during the first year after HFRS.
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| 2. |
- Gnann, J. W., et al.
(author)
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Herpes Simplex Encephalitis: Lack of Clinical Benefit of Long-term Valacyclovir Therapy
- 2015
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In: Clinical Infectious Diseases. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1058-4838 .- 1537-6591. ; 61:5, s. 683-691
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background. Despite the proven efficacy of acyclovir (ACV) therapy, herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE) continues to cause substantial morbidity and mortality. Among patients with HSE treated with ACV, the mortality rate is approximately 14%-19%. Among survivors, 45%-60% have neuropsychological sequelae at 1 year. Thus, improving therapeutic approaches to HSE remains a high priority. Methods. Following completion of a standard course of intravenous ACV, 87 adult patients with HSE (confirmed by positive polymerase chain reaction [PCR] for herpes simplex virus DNA in cerebrospinal fluid) were randomized to receive either valacyclovir (VACV) 2 g thrice daily (n = 40) or placebo tablets (n = 47) for 90 days (12 tablets of study medication daily). The primary endpoint was survival with no or mild neuropsychological impairment at 12 months, as measured by the Mattis Dementia Rating Scale (MDRS). Logistic regression was utilized to assess factors related to the primary endpoint. Results. The demographic characteristics of the 2 randomization groups were statistically similar with no significant differences in age, sex, or race. At 12 months, there was no significant difference in the MDRS scoring for VACV-treated vs placebo recipients, with 85.7% and 90.2%, respectively, of patients demonstrating no or mild neuropsychological impairment (P = .72). No significant study-related adverse events were encountered in either treatment group. Conclusions. Following standard treatment with intravenous ACV for PCR-confirmed HSE, an additional 3-month course of oral VACV therapy did not provide added benefit as measured by neuropsychological testing 12 months later in a population of relatively high-functioning survivors.
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| 3. |
- Lwande, Olivia Wesula, et al.
(author)
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Experimental Infection and Transmission Competence of Sindbis Virus in Culex torrentium and Culex pipiens Mosquitoes from Northern Sweden
- 2019
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In: Vector Borne and Zoonotic Diseases. - : Mary Ann Liebert. - 1530-3667 .- 1557-7759. ; 19:2, s. 128-133
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Introduction: Sindbis virus (SINV) is a mosquito-borne Alphavirus known to infect birds and cause intermittent outbreaks among humans in Fenno-Scandia. In Sweden, the endemic area has mainly been in central Sweden. Recently, SINV infections have emerged to northern Sweden, but the vectorial efficiency for SINV of mosquito species in this northern region has not yet been ascertained.Objective: Mosquito larvae were sampled from the Umea region in northern Sweden and propagated in a laboratory to adult stage to investigate the infection, dissemination, and transmission efficiency of SINV in mosquitoes.Materials and Methods: The mosquito species were identified by DNA barcoding of the cytochrome oxidase I gene. Culex torrentium was the most abundant (82.2%) followed by Culex pipiens (14.4%), Aedes annulipes (1.1%), Anopheles claviger (1.1%), Culiseta bergrothi (1.1%), or other unidentified species (1.1%). Mosquitoes were fed with SINV-infected blood and monitored for 29 days to determine the viral extrinsic incubation period. Infection and dissemination were determined by RT-qPCR screening of dissected body parts of individual mosquitoes. Viral transmission was determined from saliva collected from individual mosquitoes at 7, 14, and 29 days. SINV was detected by cell culture using BHK-21 cells, RT-qPCR, and sequencing.Results: Cx. torrentium was the only mosquito species in our study that was able to transmit SINV. The overall transmission efficiency of SINV in Cx. torrentium was 6.8%. The rates of SINV infection, dissemination, and transmission in Cx. torrentium were 11%, 75%, and 83%, respectively.Conclusions: Cx. torrentium may be the key vector involved in SINV transmission in northern Sweden.
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| 4. |
- Lwande, Olivia Wesula, et al.
(author)
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Mosquito-borne Inkoo virus in northern Sweden - isolation and whole genome sequencing
- 2017
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In: Virology Journal. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1743-422X. ; 14
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Inkoo virus (INKV) is a less known mosquito-borne virus belonging to Bunyaviridae, genus Orthobunyavirus, California serogroup. Studies indicate that INKV infection is mainly asymptomatic, but can cause mild encephalitis in humans. In northern Europe, the sero-prevalence against INKV is high, 41% in Sweden and 51% in Finland. Previously, INKV RNA has been detected in adult Aedes (Ae.) communis, Ae. hexodontus and Ae. punctor mosquitoes and Ae. communis larvae, but there are still gaps of knowledge regarding mosquito vectors and genetic diversity. Therefore, we aimed to determine the occurrence of INKV in its mosquito vector and characterize the isolates.Methods: About 125,000 mosquitoes were collected during a mosquito-borne virus surveillance in northern Sweden during the summer period of 2015. Of these, 10,000 mosquitoes were processed for virus isolation and detection using cell culture and RT-PCR. Virus isolates were further characterized by whole genome sequencing. Genetic typing of mosquito species was conducted by cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene amplification and sequencing (genetic barcoding).Results: Several Ae. communis mosquitoes were found positive for INKV RNA and two isolates were obtained. The first complete sequences of the small (S), medium (M), and large (L) segments of INKV in Sweden were obtained. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the INKV genome was most closely related to other INKV isolates from Sweden and Finland. Of the three INKV genome segments, the INKV M segment had the highest frequency of non-synonymous mutations. The overall G/C-content of INKV genes was low for the N/NSs genes (43.8–45.5%), polyprotein (Gn/Gc/NSm) gene (35.6%) and the RNA polymerase gene (33.8%) This may be due to the fact that INKV in most instances utilized A or T in the third codon position.Conclusions: INKV is frequently circulating in northern Sweden and Ae. communis is the key vector. The high mutation rate of the INKV M segment may have consequences on virulence
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| 5. |
- Wilhelmsson, Peter, et al.
(author)
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A prospective study on the incidence of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato infection after a tick bite in Sweden and On the Åland Islands, Finland (2008-2009)
- 2016
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In: Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases. - : Elsevier. - 1877-959X .- 1877-9603. ; 7:1, s. 71-79
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Lyme borreliosis (LB) is a common and increasing tick-borne disease in Europe. The risk of acquiring a Borrelia infection after a tick bite is not fully known. Therefore, we investigated the incidence of Borrelia infection after a bite by a Borrelia-infected tick and if the Borrelia load and/or the duration of tick-feeding influenced the risk of infection. During 2008-2009, ticks and blood samples were collected from 1546 tick-bitten persons from Sweden and the Åland Islands, Finland. Follow-up blood samples were taken 3 months after the tick bite. The duration of tick feeding was microscopically estimated and Borrelia was detected and quantified in ticks by real-time PCR. Anti-Borrelia antibodies were detected in sera using ELISA tests and immunoblot. Five percent (78/1546) of the study participants developed Borrelia infection (LB diagnosis and/or seroconversion) after a tick bite (45% bitten by Borrelia-infected ticks and 55% bitten by uninfected ticks). Of these, 33 developed LB (whereof 9 also seroconverted) while 45 participants seroconverted only. Experience of non-specific symptoms was more frequently reported by Borrelia-infected participants compared to uninfected participants. All who seroconverted removed "their" ticks significantly later than those who did not. The Borrelia load in the ticks did not explain the risk of seroconversion. Regional and sex differences in the Borrelia seroprevalence were found. The risk of developing a Borrelia infection after a bite by a Borrelia-infected tick is small but increases with the duration of tick feeding.
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| 6. |
- Abdelrahim, Nada A., et al.
(author)
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Human herpes virus type-6 is associated with central nervous system infections in children in Sudan
- 2022
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In: African Journal of Laboratory Medicine. - : AOSIS. - 2225-2002 .- 2225-2010. ; 11:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Human herpes virus type-6 (HHV-6) is increasingly recognised as a febrile agent in children. However, less is known in sub-Saharan African countries, including Sudan.Objective: We investigated the involvement of HHV-6 in paediatric central nervous system (CNS) infections in Khartoum, Sudan.Methods: Febrile patients aged up to 15 years with suspected CNS infections at Omdurman Hospital for Children from 01 December 2009 to 01 August 2010 were included. Viral DNA was extracted from leftover cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) specimens and quantitatively amplified by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) at Umeå University in Sweden.Results: Of 503 CSF specimens, 13 (2.6%) were positive for HHV-6 (33.0% [13/40 of cases with proven infectious meningitis]). The median thermal cycle threshold for all HHV-6-positive specimens was 38 (range: 31.9-40.8). The median number of virus copies was 281.3/PCR run (1 × 105 copies/mL CSF; range: 30-44 × 103 copies/PCR run [12 × 103 - 18 × 106 copies/mL CSF]). All positive patients presented with fever and vomiting; 86.0% had seizures. The male-to-female ratio was 1:1; 50.0% were toddlers, 42.0% infants and 8.0% teenagers. Most (83.0%) were admitted in the dry season and 17.0% in the rainy season. Cerebrospinal fluid leukocytosis was seen in 33.0%, CSF glucose levels were normal in 86.0% and low in 14.0%, and CSF protein levels were low in 14.0% and high in 43.0%.Conclusion: Among children in Sudan with CNS infections, HHV-6 is common. Studies on the existence and spread of HHV-6 chromosomal integration in this population are needed.
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| 7. |
- Abdelrahim, Nada Abdelghani, et al.
(author)
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Viral meningitis in Sudanese children : differentiation, etiology and review of literature
- 2022
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In: Medicine. - : Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. - 0025-7974 .- 1536-5964. ; 101:46
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Diagnosis of viral meningitis (VM) is uncommon practice in Sudan and there is no local viral etiological map. We therefore intended to differentiate VM using standardized clinical codes and determine the involvement of herpes simplex virus types-1 and 2 (HSV-1/2), varicella zoster virus, non-polio human enteroviruses (HEVs), and human parechoviruses in meningeal infections in children in Sudan. This is a cross-sectional hospital-based study. Viral meningitis was differentiated in 503 suspected febrile attendee of Omdurman Hospital for Children following the criteria listed in the Clinical Case Definition for Aseptic/Viral Meningitis. Patients were children age 0 to 15 years. Viral nucleic acids (DNA/RNA) were extracted from cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) specimens using QIAamp® UltraSens Virus Technology. Complementary DNA was prepared from viral RNA using GoScriptTM Reverse Transcription System. Viral nucleic acids were amplified and detected using quantitative TaqMan® Real-Time and conventional polymerase chain reactions (PCRs). Hospital diagnosis of VM was assigned to 0%, when clinical codes were applied; we considered 3.2% as having VM among the total study population and as 40% among those with proven infectious meningitis. Two (0.4%) out of total 503 CSF specimens were positive for HSV-1; Ct values were 37.05 and 39.10 and virus copies were 652/PCR run (261 × 103/mL CSF) and 123/PCR run (49.3 × 103/mL CSF), respectively. Other 2 (0.4%) CSF specimens were positive for non-polio HEVs; Ct values were 37.70 and 38.30, and the approximate virus copies were 5E2/PCR run (~2E5/mL CSF) and 2E2/PCR run (~8E4/mL CSF), respectively. No genetic materials were detected for HSV-2, varicella zoster virus, and human parechoviruses. The diagnosis of VM was never assigned by the hospital despite fulfilling the clinical case definition. Virus detection rate was 10% among cases with proven infectious meningitis. Detected viruses were HSV-1 and non-polio HEVs. Positive virus PCRs in CSFs with normal cellular counts were seen.
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| 8. |
- Affognon, Hippolyte, et al.
(author)
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Ethnic groups' knowledge, attitude and practices and Rift Valley fever exposure in Isiolo County of Kenya
- 2017
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In: PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases. - : Public Library of Science (PLoS). - 1935-2727 .- 1935-2735. ; 11:3
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Rift Valley fever (RVF) is an emerging mosquito-borne viral hemorrhagic fever in Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, affecting humans and livestock. For spread of infectious diseases, including RVF, knowledge, attitude and practices play an important role, and the understanding of the influence of behavior is crucial to improve prevention and control efforts. The objective of the study was to assess RVF exposure, in a multiethnic region in Kenya known to experience RVF outbreaks, from the behavior perspective. We investigated how communities in Isiolo County, Kenya were affected, in relation to their knowledge, attitude and practices, by the RVF outbreak of 2006/2007. A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 698 households selected randomly from three different ethnic communities. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire regarding knowledge, attitudes and practices that could affect the spread of RVF. In addition, information was collected from the communities regarding the number of humans and livestock affected during the RVF outbreak. This study found that better knowledge about a specific disease does not always translate to better practices to avoid exposure to the disease. However, the high knowledge, attitude and practice score measured as a single index of the Maasai community may explain why they were less affected, compared to other investigated communities (Borana and Turkana), by RVF during the 2006/2007 outbreak. We conclude that RVF exposure in Isiolo County, Kenya during the outbreak was likely determined by the behavioral differences of different resident community groups. We then recommend that strategies to combat RVF should take into consideration behavioral differences among communities.
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| 9. |
- Ahlm, Clas, 1956-, et al.
(author)
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Brain abscess caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
- 2000
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In: Scandinavian Journal of Infectious Diseases. - : Informa UK Limited. - 0036-5548 .- 1651-1980. ; 32:5, s. 562-563
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- A Swedish tourist was admitted to a Cuban hospital due to epileptic seizures caused by brain tumors. Upon return to Sweden and admission to our hospital, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was isolated. He was later considered to be free of MRSA but then developed a brain abscess from which MRSA was isolated.
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| 10. |
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| 11. |
- Ahlm, Clas, 1956-, et al.
(author)
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Central nervous system and ophthalmic involvement in nephropathia epidemica (European type of haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome)
- 1998
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In: Journal of Infection. - 0163-4453 .- 1532-2742. ; 36:2, s. 149-155
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Central nervous system (CNS) - related symptoms occur in haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS). To study the CNS and ophthalmic involvement in nephropathia epidemica (NE), the European type of HFRS, we included 26 patients in a prospective study. Most common CNS-related symptoms were headache (96%), insomnia (83%), vertigo (79%), nausea (79%), and vomiting (71%). Ophthalmic symptoms were reported by 82% of patients; 41% had photophobia and 50% had impaired vision. A transient loss of vision was recorded in one patient, who also had a generalized seizure. Minor white matter lesions were found in about half of the patients investigated with brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Electroencephalography (EEG) showed severe alterations in only one patient, and slight and reversible patterns in another two patients. Neopterin, interleukin-6 and interferon-gamma levels in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were elevated, which may indicate immune activation. However, we found no evidence of intrathecal NE virus replication. We conclude that CNS-related symptoms are common in NE, and transient ophthalmic involvement can be demonstrated in about half of the patients.
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| 12. |
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| 13. |
- Ahlm, Clas, 1956-
(author)
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Distribution of puumala virus in Sweden
- 1997
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Doctoral thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Puumala virus, belonging to the genus hantavirus, is the causative agent of nephropathia epidemica (NE), a relatively mild form of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome. Puumala virus occurs endemically in Central and Northern Europe and Western Russia. In Sweden, NE is reported from the northern and central parts but virtually not at all from the southern part of the country. The bank vole (Clethrionomys glareolus) is the main reservoir of Puumala virus and humans are infected by inhalation of aerosolized animal secreta. In northern Sweden, the density of the bank vole population varies cyclically in intervals of 3-4 years and the incidence of NE shows a covariation.The prevalence of serum antibodies to hantaviruses in northern Sweden was studied in a stratified and randomly selected adult population sample comprising 1538 subjects. As expected, the prevalence increased with age. There was no difference between men and women, which was unexpected based on a male:female ratio of > 2:1 in clinical reports. By use of an immunofiuorescent assay, a seroprevalence of 5.4% and by a newly developed enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with recombinant Puumala virus nucleocapsid protein as antigen, a prevalence of 8.9% was recorded. This is about or more than ten times higher than what would be calculated from clinical reports.By use of the ELISA, an occupational risk of acquisition of Puumala virus infection was demonstrated. Serum samples from 910 farmers and 663 referent subjects living in various rural parts of Sweden were tested. Among farmers from the Puumala virus-endemic northern and central parts of the country, the seroprevalence (12.9%) was higher (p=0.01) than in referents (6.8%). In the southern part of Sweden, only 2/459 persons had antibodies. Only a limited number of children with NE had been previously reported. In a separate study, 32 children with Puumala virus infection were identified and the clinical picture of NE in children was found to be similar to that of adult cases.Variations in the prevalence of Puumala virus in the bank vole population within an endemic region are not well known. Here, a higher mean rodent density and a higher prevalence of Puumala virus-specific serum antibodies were recorded in the vicinity of households afflicted with NE than in rural control areas. The data indicated that the risk of exposure locally within an endemic region may vary widely and tentatively suggested that a threshold density of bank voles might be necessary to achieve before effective spread of Puumala virus within the rodent population may occur.There is no firm evidence of the occurrence of Puumala virus among wild living animals other than rodents. A study of Swedish moose, an animal which is ecologically well characterized, was performed. Convincing evidence of past Puumala virus infection was found in 5/260 moose originating from Puumala virus-endemic areas but in none of 167 animals from nonendemic areas. Based on the low seroprevalence recorded, moose seemed to serve as endstage hosts rather than being active parts of the enzootic circle of transmission.In conclusion, the present investigations confirmed that the exposure to Puumala virus is geographically well restricted in Sweden. Seroprevalence studies indicated that only a minor proportion of individuals infected with Puumala virus are clinically reported, with a bias in favour of men. NE was confirmed to occur in children, with a clinical picture similar to that of adults. An occupational risk was defined for acquisition of Puumala virus infection. Studies in rodents suggested that there may be wide local variations within a limited area in the risk of exposure to Puumala virus. The studies validated the usefulness of a newly developed ELISA based on recombinant nucleocapsid peptides of hantaviruses and finally, methodological progress was reached when Puumala virus was, for the first time, successfully isolated from a Scandinavian patient.
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| 14. |
- Ahlm, Clas, 1956-, et al.
(author)
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Health problems and self-medication among Swedish travellers.
- 1994
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In: Scandinavian Journal of Infectious Diseases. - 0036-5548 .- 1651-1980. ; 26:6, s. 711-7
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- 500 consecutive travellers seeking pre-travel health advice were issued a questionnaire before leaving Sweden to continuously record health problems and use of medication during travel. Of 442 subjects who turned in assessable questionnaires (232 male and 210 female, mean age 37 years), 81% travelled to areas at high risk for the acquisition of diarrhea. The mean duration of travel was 4 weeks. During travel 218 (49% at 95% CI 44.3 to 53.7%) of the travellers experienced some illness and 61 (14%) had symptoms of more than one illness. The mean duration of illness was 4.5 days, and 65 subjects (30% of ill travellers) were confined to bed for a mean duration of 2 days. The incidence of illness was significantly (p < 0.01) higher among travellers to high risk than to low risk areas (55% vs 26%), among young travellers than among elderly (65% vs 33%), and among those going on adventure tours compared with recreational tourists (74% vs 41%). Diarrhea was reported by 36% (95% CI 31.6 to 40.5%), and respiratory tract infection by 21% (95% CI 17.2 to 24.8%). Self-medication with one or several drugs was initiated by 163 (75%) travellers experiencing illness during travel. Thus, every second Swedish traveller to tropical and subtropical areas experienced some kind of travel-related, often incapacitating, health problem.
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| 15. |
- Ahlm, Clas, 1956-, et al.
(author)
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High prevalence of hantavirus antibodies in bank voles (Clethrionomys glareolus) captured in the vicinity of households afflicted with nephropathia epidemica.
- 1997
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In: American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. - 0002-9637 .- 1476-1645. ; 56:6, s. 674-8
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Puumala virus, the causative agent of nephropathia epidemica (NE), occurs endemically in Europe and is spread mainly by the bank vole (Clethrionomys glareolus). In the vicinity of each of four households afflicted with NE, we studied rodents with regard to population density and prevalence of Puumala virus-specific antibodies. For each case area, a control area was randomly selected 10 km away, without regard to the presence of human settlement. During 6,000 trap nights, 328 rodents were caught, of which 299 were C. glareolus. The mean rodent densities of case and control areas were 6.6 and 3.7 animals per 100 trap nights (P < 0.001). The prevalence of serum antibodies was 15.9% in case areas compared with 5.6% in control areas (P < 0.05). In three of the case areas, where NE had occurred 3-10 weeks before trapping, the rodent density and seroprevalence were much higher than in the fourth area, where NE occurred 38 weeks before trapping. In conclusion, C. glareolus seropositive for Puumala virus occurred more frequently near households afflicted with NE than in control areas 10 km away.
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| 16. |
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| 17. |
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| 18. |
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| 19. |
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| 20. |
- Ahlm, Clas, 1956-, et al.
(author)
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Nephropathia epidemica (hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome) in children : clinical characteristics.
- 1994
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In: The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal. - 0891-3668 .- 1532-0987. ; 13:1, s. 45-9
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The clinical characteristics of serologically verified nephropathia epidemica, the Scandinavian form of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome, were studied in Swedish children who were < 15 years of age. In 1990 to 1992, 14 cases were prospectively followed. A retrospective survey during 1984 to 1990 disclosed another 18 cases. Among the 32 cases (20 boys, 12 girls, 3 to 15 years of age; median age, 11 years), the most common symptoms were fever (100%), headache (100%), abdominal pain (93%), vomiting (91%) and back pain (76%). Laboratory findings included elevated serum creatinine concentration (19 of 28) and thrombocytopenia (7 of 22). Urinalysis showed proteinuria (31 of 31 patients) and hematuria (24 of 30). Six children had mild hemorrhagic manifestations (epistaxis, metrorrhagia, and petechiae). No severe complications occurred. The clinical symptoms of children with nephropathia epidemica seem to be similar to those found among adult nephropathia epidemica cases.
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| 21. |
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| 22. |
- Ahlm, Clas, 1956-, et al.
(author)
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Prevalence of antibodies specific to Puumala virus among farmers in Sweden
- 1998
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In: Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health. - : Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health. - 0355-3140 .- 1795-990X. ; 24:2, s. 104-108
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Serological evidence confirmed that the exposure of humans to Puumala virus is firmly restricted to the northern and central parts of Sweden. In addition the evidence indicated that, in this region, farming is associated with an increased risk of contracting hantavirus infection.
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| 23. |
- Ahlm, Clas, 1956-, et al.
(author)
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Prevalence of serum antibodies to hantaviruses in northern Sweden as measured by recombinant nucleocapsid proteins.
- 1997
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In: Scandinavian Journal of Infectious Diseases. - : Informa UK Limited. - 0036-5548 .- 1651-1980. ; 29:4, s. 349-54
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) based on recombinant nucleocapsid protein (rN delta) (aa 1-117) of Hantaan, Seoul, Dobrava, Sin Nombre and Puumala hantaviruses was used to determine the prevalence of antibodies among randomized and stratified individuals from northern Sweden. In total, 137/1533 individuals (8.9%) had specific serum IgG antibodies to Puumala virus, the only hantavirus known to occur in the region. The prevalence of antibodies to Puumala virus (8.9%) was determined to be higher than previously reported (5.4%) in the same serum material, by use of immunofluorescence assay. As expected, sera reactive to Puumala virus rN delta did frequently cross-react with Sin Nombre virus protein. Unexpectedly, 21/1533 (1.4%) individuals recognized the Sin Nombre virus rN delta exclusively. Another 8 subjects showed reactivity in the ELISA to Hantaan, Seoul, or Dobrava virus-derived rN delta but not Puumala virus or Sin Nombre virus rN delta. The present demonstration in some individuals of antibodies specifically recognizing the Sin Nombre, Dobrava, Hantaan and Seoul virus protein justifies an awareness of the possibility that hantaviruses antigenically different from Puumala virus might occur in the region.
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| 24. |
- Ahlm, Clas, 1956-, et al.
(author)
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Prevalence of serum IgG antibodies to Puumala virus (haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome) in northern Sweden.
- 1994
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In: Epidemiology and Infection. - 0950-2688 .- 1469-4409. ; 113:1, s. 129-36
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- A stratified and randomly-selected population sample was identified in 1990 in order to study the seroprevalence of nephropathia epidemica (haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome) in Northern Sweden. Sera from 1538 subjects (750 men, 788 women), 25-64 years of age, were analysed for the presence of Puumala virus (PUV) specific-IgG by the indirect immunofluorescence antibody test. Specific IgG was detected in sera from 83 subjects (5.4%). Men and women had similar seroprevalence rates. The highest seroprevalences were found in subjects 55 years or older (8.0%) and among farmers and forestry workers (15.9%). The geographic distribution of seropositive individuals was uneven and there were significantly more seropositive persons in rural than in urban areas (P < 0.05).
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| 25. |
- Ahlm, Clas, 1956-, et al.
(author)
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Serologic evidence of Puumala virus infection in wild moose in northern Sweden
- 2000
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In: American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. - : American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. - 0002-9637 .- 1476-1645. ; 62:1, s. 106-111
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Puumala (PUU) virus is the causative agent of nephropathia epidemica, the Scandinavian form of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome. The infection is acquired by airborne transmission of PUU virus from its rodent reservoir, the bank vole. Besides serologic data indicating that the virus may spread also to heterologous rodents, there is little information on the susceptibility of wild living animals to PUU virus. We studied the occurrence of antibodies to PUU virus in serum samples from 427 wild-living moose, of which 260 originated from the PUU virus-endemic northern and central parts of Sweden and 167 originated from the southern, nonendemic part of Sweden. Samples from 5 animals showed reactivity in an ELISA for recombinant PUU virus nucleocapsid protein, an immunofluorescent assay, and a neutralization test. These 5 animals all originated from the PUU virus-endemic northern part of Sweden. In conclusion, 5 of 260 moose from the endemic region showed convincing serologic evidence of past PUU virus infection. The seroprevalence was low, suggesting that the moose is subjected to endstage infection rather than being part of an enzootic transmission cycle.
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