Junin virus activity in two rural populations of the Argentine hemorrhagic fever (AHF) endemic area

Abstract

To determine the prevalence of inapparent infection with Junin virus among the rural population and its relation to the clinical disease, a serological study was carried out in two zones of the endemic area of Argentine hemorrhagic fever (AHF). From the first appearance of AHF in the zones (1963) and the moment of the survey (1977), 14 years had passed. A total of 695 serum samples were obtained, 540 from Córdoba and 155 from Buenos Aires. Of the 695 serum samples, 83 were positive for neutralizing antibodies against Junin virus. Total infection (clinical and inapparent cases) reached 11.6% and 12.03% in the Buenos Aires and Córdoba zones, respectively, showing that the total prevalence of infection in two zones separated by 320 miles, are very much alike. In Córdoba province, the prevalence of clinical infection was 7.59%, while that for inapparent infection was 4.44%. Values for the Province of Buenos Aires were 9.67% and 1.93%, respectively. In addition to a low prevalence of inapparent infections, the results of this survey show that roughly 90% of the population is susceptible to contract the disease; this stresses the need to immunize susceptible individuals in the endemic area.

Junin Virus Monoclonal Antibodies: Characterization and Cross-reactivity with Other Arenaviruses

“…Junin virus is endemic in Argentina (Weissenbacher et al, 1983) and is the aetiological agent of Argentine haemorrhagic fever. As with other arenaviruses, the natural reservoirs for Junin virus are rodents, specifically Calomys musculinus and C. laucha.…”

Ribavirin prophylaxis and therapy for experimental argentine hemorrhagic fever

“…The causative agent, Junin virus, is a member of the Arenaviridae family. Infection with this virus is generally symptomatic in humans (24,26), with death occurring in 15 to 30% of untreated individuals (11,18). Human immune plasma has been shown to be effective in reducing mortality to <1% when administered within 8 days of the appearance of clinical illness (3,12).…”

Administration of Antithymocyte Serum Modifies the Response of Calomys musculinus to Junin Virus Infection

“…We think it is probable that attenuated strains exist in the field; this idea is supported by the finding of serological conversion among people who live in the endemic area of Argentine hemor rhagic fever yet never suffered from evident clinical disease [ 14]. Furthermore, it is known that strains of JV which are attenuated for man and guinea pig are highly pathogenic for C. musculinus.…”