Distributional ecology of Andes hantavirus: a macroecological approach.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) is an infection endemic in Chile and Argentina, caused by Andes hantavirus (ANDV). The rodent Oligoryzomys longicaudatus is suggested as the main reservoir, although several other species of Sigmodontinae are known hosts of ANDV. Here, we explore potential ANDV transmission risk to humans in southern South America, based on eco-epidemiological associations among: six rodent host species, seropositive rodents, and human HPS cases.

Methods

We used ecological niche modeling and macroecological approaches to determine potential geographic distributions and assess environmental similarity among rodents and human HPS cases.

Results

Highest numbers of rodent species (five) were in Chile between 35° and 41°S latitude. Background

SUBMITTER: Astorga F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6013855 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature