Postępy Mikrobiologii (Jan 2021)
Orthohantavirus Spp. – Review Of Genus
Abstract
The infections caused by orthohantaviruses were already known in the Middle Ages as “English sweats.” There are two main diseases caused by these viruses – HPS (hantavirus pulmonary syndrome) and HFRS (hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome). Rodents are the main reservoir of these microorganisms, and humans usually catch them by inhalation, as a result of contact with secretions and droppings of carriers. HPS is characterized by a sudden onset, and symptoms include primarily cough, fever and difficulty breathing, and in extreme cases – respiratory failure and cardiogenic shock. HFRS begins suddenly and the main manifestation includes fever, renal failure, hemorrhage, hematuria and proteinuria, as well as shock. At present, anti-hantavirus therapy with proven effectiveness does not exist. A key role in the treatment is resting lifestyle, electrolyte control, fluid therapy and prevention of hypotension, and in harder cases – administration of oxygen. Deviations from normal values in laboratory analyzes of people infected with this pathogen depend on the organ affected by the disease process
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