Seoul virus: Difference between revisions

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{{Short description|A species of hantavirus}}
== Seoul Virus ==


[[File:Rattus_norvegicus_-_Brown_rat_02.jpg|thumb|right|The brown rat (''Rattus norvegicus'') is a primary host of the Seoul virus.]]
[[File:Rattus_norvegicus_-_Brown_rat_02.jpg|Brown rat, a common carrier of Seoul virus|thumb|right]]


The '''Seoul virus''' is a member of the [[Orthohantavirus]] genus in the family [[Hantaviridae]]. It is an [[RNA virus]] that is primarily transmitted to humans through contact with the [[urine]], [[droppings]], or [[saliva]] of infected [[rodents]], particularly the [[brown rat]] (''Rattus norvegicus'') and the [[black rat]] (''Rattus rattus''). The virus is named after [[Seoul]], the capital city of [[South Korea]], where it was first identified.
The '''Seoul virus''' is a member of the [[Hantavirus]] genus, which is part of the [[Bunyavirales]] order. It is an [[RNA virus]] that primarily infects [[rodents]], particularly the [[Norway rat]] (''Rattus norvegicus'') and the [[black rat]] (''Rattus rattus''). The virus is named after [[Seoul]], the capital city of [[South Korea]], where it was first identified.


==Virology==
== Virology ==
The Seoul virus is an [[enveloped virus]] with a [[negative-sense]] single-stranded RNA genome. It belongs to the [[Bunyavirales]] order and is closely related to other hantaviruses such as the [[Hantaan virus]] and the [[Dobrava-Belgrade virus]]. The genome of the Seoul virus is segmented into three parts: the small (S), medium (M), and large (L) segments, which encode the nucleocapsid protein, glycoproteins, and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, respectively.


==Transmission==
Seoul virus is an [[enveloped virus]] with a single-stranded, negative-sense RNA genome. The genome is segmented into three parts: the small (S), medium (M), and large (L) segments. These segments encode the nucleocapsid protein, glycoproteins, and the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, respectively. The virus is transmitted to humans through contact with infected rodent excreta, such as urine, droppings, or saliva.
Seoul virus is primarily transmitted to humans through aerosolized particles from rodent excreta. Human-to-human transmission is extremely rare. The virus can also be transmitted through direct contact with infected rodents or their excreta. In urban environments, the presence of rats in close proximity to human dwellings increases the risk of transmission.


[[File:Roofrat_Hagenbeck_02.jpg|thumb|left|The black rat (''Rattus rattus'') is another host of the Seoul virus.]]
== Epidemiology ==


==Clinical Features==
Seoul virus is found worldwide, particularly in urban areas where rodent populations are dense. Human infections have been reported in Asia, Europe, and the Americas. The virus is endemic in rodent populations, and human cases are often associated with exposure to rodent-infested environments.
In humans, infection with the Seoul virus can lead to a condition known as [[Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome]] (HFRS). Symptoms of HFRS include fever, headache, abdominal pain, and in severe cases, renal failure and hemorrhagic manifestations. The severity of the disease can vary, with some cases being mild and others potentially life-threatening.


==Epidemiology==
== Clinical Features ==
Seoul virus has a global distribution, with cases reported in Asia, Europe, and the Americas. The virus is endemic in areas with large populations of the brown and black rats. Outbreaks are often associated with increased rodent activity or human encroachment into rodent habitats.


==Prevention and Control==
In humans, Seoul virus infection can cause a mild to moderate form of [[hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome]] (HFRS). Symptoms typically include fever, headache, back pain, abdominal pain, and renal dysfunction. In severe cases, it can lead to acute kidney injury. The disease is rarely fatal, but it can cause significant morbidity.
Preventive measures focus on reducing human exposure to rodents and their excreta. This includes rodent control measures, proper sanitation, and public health education. In laboratory settings, strict biosafety protocols are necessary to prevent accidental exposure to the virus.
 
== Diagnosis ==
 
Diagnosis of Seoul virus infection is based on clinical presentation and laboratory testing. Serological tests, such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), can detect antibodies against the virus. Molecular techniques, such as reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), can identify viral RNA in blood or tissue samples.
 
== Prevention and Control ==
 
[[File:Roofrat_Hagenbeck_02.jpg|Black rat, another carrier of Seoul virus|thumb|left]]
 
Preventing Seoul virus infection involves controlling rodent populations and minimizing human exposure to rodents and their excreta. Measures include sealing entry points to buildings, maintaining clean environments to deter rodent habitation, and using traps or rodenticides where necessary. Personal protective equipment should be used when handling rodents or cleaning areas with rodent droppings.
 
== Related Pages ==


==Related pages==
* [[Hantavirus]]
* [[Hantavirus]]
* [[Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome]]
* [[Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome]]
* [[Rodent-borne diseases]]
* [[Norway rat]]
* [[Black rat]]


[[Category:Viral diseases]]
[[Category:Hantaviruses]]
[[Category:Hantaviruses]]
[[Category:Viral diseases]]
[[Category:Zoonoses]]
[[Category:Zoonoses]]

Latest revision as of 19:14, 6 March 2025

Seoul Virus[edit]

Brown rat, a common carrier of Seoul virus

The Seoul virus is a member of the Hantavirus genus, which is part of the Bunyavirales order. It is an RNA virus that primarily infects rodents, particularly the Norway rat (Rattus norvegicus) and the black rat (Rattus rattus). The virus is named after Seoul, the capital city of South Korea, where it was first identified.

Virology[edit]

Seoul virus is an enveloped virus with a single-stranded, negative-sense RNA genome. The genome is segmented into three parts: the small (S), medium (M), and large (L) segments. These segments encode the nucleocapsid protein, glycoproteins, and the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, respectively. The virus is transmitted to humans through contact with infected rodent excreta, such as urine, droppings, or saliva.

Epidemiology[edit]

Seoul virus is found worldwide, particularly in urban areas where rodent populations are dense. Human infections have been reported in Asia, Europe, and the Americas. The virus is endemic in rodent populations, and human cases are often associated with exposure to rodent-infested environments.

Clinical Features[edit]

In humans, Seoul virus infection can cause a mild to moderate form of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS). Symptoms typically include fever, headache, back pain, abdominal pain, and renal dysfunction. In severe cases, it can lead to acute kidney injury. The disease is rarely fatal, but it can cause significant morbidity.

Diagnosis[edit]

Diagnosis of Seoul virus infection is based on clinical presentation and laboratory testing. Serological tests, such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), can detect antibodies against the virus. Molecular techniques, such as reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), can identify viral RNA in blood or tissue samples.

Prevention and Control[edit]

Black rat, another carrier of Seoul virus

Preventing Seoul virus infection involves controlling rodent populations and minimizing human exposure to rodents and their excreta. Measures include sealing entry points to buildings, maintaining clean environments to deter rodent habitation, and using traps or rodenticides where necessary. Personal protective equipment should be used when handling rodents or cleaning areas with rodent droppings.

Related Pages[edit]