Sin Nombre virus

Virus of the Hantavirus genus

Electron micrograph of Sin Nombre virus particles

The Sin Nombre virus (SNV) is a species of Orthohantavirus that causes hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) in humans. It was first identified in 1993 in the southwestern United States and is primarily carried by the deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus).

Discovery

The Sin Nombre virus was discovered following an outbreak of a mysterious respiratory illness in the Four Corners region of the United States in 1993. The illness was characterized by flu-like symptoms that rapidly progressed to severe respiratory distress. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identified the virus as a new hantavirus, which was initially referred to as "Four Corners virus" before being renamed "Sin Nombre virus" to avoid stigmatizing the region.

Virology

Transmission electron micrograph of Sin Nombre virus

Sin Nombre virus is an enveloped, single-stranded, negative-sense RNA virus. It belongs to the family Hantaviridae and the genus Orthohantavirus. The virus has a tripartite genome consisting of three segments: the small (S), medium (M), and large (L) segments, which encode the nucleocapsid protein, glycoproteins, and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, respectively.

Transmission

The primary reservoir host of the Sin Nombre virus is the deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus). Humans typically become infected through inhalation of aerosolized virus particles from rodent urine, droppings, or saliva. The virus is not transmitted from person to person.

Pathogenesis

Once inhaled, the virus infects the endothelial cells of the lungs, leading to increased vascular permeability and pulmonary edema. This results in the characteristic symptoms of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, which include fever, muscle aches, and severe respiratory distress. The mortality rate of HPS can be as high as 36%.

Epidemiology

Sin Nombre virus is primarily found in the western United States, particularly in rural areas where deer mice are prevalent. Cases of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome have been reported in several states, including New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, and California.

Prevention

Preventing Sin Nombre virus infection involves minimizing contact with rodent carriers. This includes sealing homes to prevent rodent entry, cleaning up food sources that attract rodents, and using protective equipment when cleaning areas contaminated with rodent droppings.

Related pages

• Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome
• Orthohantavirus
• Deer mouse

The deer mouse, primary reservoir of Sin Nombre virus