Seoul virus

A species of hantavirus

The brown rat (Rattus norvegicus) is a primary host of the Seoul virus.

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.

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 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.

The black rat (Rattus rattus) is another host of the Seoul virus.

Clinical Features

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

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

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.

Related pages

• Hantavirus
• Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome
• Rodent-borne diseases