FIRST EVIDENCE OF HANTAVIRUSES CIRCULATION IN RODENTS HOST (MUS DOMESTICUS) ON FARMS IN PIEDMONT, NORTHWESTERN ITALY, IN A ONE HEALTH APPROACH

Abstract

Intro: Hantaviruses are zoonotic viral agents mainly spread by rodents. Several strains are known worldwide, displaying rodent-host specificity and causing different clinical diseases in humans. The haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) is the most common clinical disorder reported in Europe and is mainly caused by Seoul, Puumala and Dobrava viruses. In Italy, epidemiological data on Hantaviruses circulation are still very scarce, limited to northeastern regions. Therefore, we carried out a preliminary study in Turin province, northwestern Italy, aiming at evaluating the circulation of hantaviruses at farm level and the risk of infection for humans. Methods: Livestock farms in which rodents were collected with traps, were randomly selected across territories of the Local Sanitary Authority Turin 3/Turin 5. After rodent necropsy, target organs (lung, spleen, intestine, kidney) were taken for biomolecular analyses. RNA was extracted using a commercial kit and samples were initially screened with a nested RT-PCR targeting Hantaviruses L segment (390bp) Findings: 41 rodents (Mus domesticus) were sampled in 13 farms. So far, 1 lung, 4 spleens and 1 intestine, belonging to 6 different rodents tested positive to nested RT-PCR for Hantaviruses. Positive rodents were sampled in one caprine farm (5 different subjects) and in one poultry farm (1 positive subject). RT-Real time PCRs species typing and sequencing on Nested PCR amplicons are ongoing. Conclusion: This is the first evidence of Hantaviruses circulation in North- western Italy. As humans may get infected through direct contact with infected rodents, their excreta or aerosolized particles, eliminating or minimizing contact is the only measure to prevent infection. In-depth studies aimed at evaluating hantaviruses prevalence and distribution in Italy should be encouraged. Risk evaluation and management and subsequent information campaigns could be undertaken to minimize the risk of exposure.