Seroepidemiological Characteristics of Haemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome from 1996 to 2005 in Korea

Abstract

Haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) caused by Hantaan viruses has been one of the principal acute febrile disease in Korea. To analysis the sero-epidemiological patterns of HFRS, 4,177 patient sera of acute febrile illness submitted for serological assay to National Institute of Health from Community Health Centers, Institutes of Health and Environment and hospitals from 1996 to 2005 were examined for antibodies against Hantaan virus by indirect immunofluorescent assay (IFA). Serum samples with greater than 1:32 antibody titer were considered positive. The results were analyzed seroepidemiologically by annual, sexual, seasonal, age and regional distribution of HFRS patients. Out of 4,177 serum samples tested, 1,415 samples (33.9%) were positive to Hantaan virus. The ratio of males (48.2%, 682/1,415) to females (38.2%, 541/1,415) was 1.3:1. Seasonal incidence showed that 69.5% (985/1,415) of cases occurred from October to December, resulting with higher prevalence in November (41.3%, 584/1,415). Regionally, seropositive rates of samples collected in Gyenggi, Gangwon and Chungbuk were 39.9% (564/1,415), 19.3% (274/1,415) and 8.5% (120/1,1415), respectively. Age distributions of seropositive of HFRS were detected from 20 to 79 years (78%).

Prevalence of Hantavirus Infection in Wild Rodents From Five Provinces in Korea, 2007

“…The incidence of febrile diseases, including Tsutsugamushi disease, Leptospirosis, and HFRS, which primarily occur in the autumn in Korea, has increased recently (Noh et al, 2006). Those who acquire these diseases are primarily agricultural or outdoor workers.…”

“…The number of cases reported annually in Korea has increased steadily and now remains stable at about 400 (Korean Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [KCDC], 2007), with a mean case fatality of approximate 5%. About 70% of patients are infected with HTNV and 30% with SEOV or other unidentified agents (Noh et al, 2006). Most HFRS patients in Korea are infected in the autumn because of the relatively dry weather and increased outdoor activities in that season.…”

Clinical and molecular epidemiological features of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome in Korea over a 10-year period

“…National report during 1996–2005 showed a low number of hantavirus-seropositive HFRS cases between June and August (119/1,415, 8.4%). 17 In our study, there were no cases during the summer months. The preponderance of male and mean age of patients might reflect the higher risk associated with occupational and recreational exposure to the outdoor environment.…”

“…Peak incidence has been associated with the breeding season of the reservoir rodent host and increased infectious excreta in the environment. 17 Dry weather during these seasons also contributes to respiratory transmission of hantaviruses to humans. National report during 1996–2005 showed a low number of hantavirus-seropositive HFRS cases between June and August (119/1,415, 8.4%).…”

Coxsackievirus B3 used as a gene therapy vector to express functional FGF2

“…All the procedures used to detect immunofluorescence were performed as previously described. 34,35 To detect viral protein VP2 and FGF2 expressed in the virus-infected cells, the fixed cells were doubly immunolabeled with a-VP1 and a-FGF2 (both diluted 1:100) for 2 h at room temperature. After washing, the cells were incubated for 1 h at room temperature with fluorescein isothiocyanate-conjugated goat anti-mouse IgG (diluted 1:100) and Texas-Red-conjugated goat anti-rabbit IgG (diluted 1:100).…”