Characterization of Araraquara Hantavirus infection in natural reservoirs (Necromys lasiurus) and in Rodent Model of Human Disease (Mesocricetus auratus)

• Grant number: 09/17518-7
• Support type: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctorate
• Effective date (Start): September 01, 2010
• Effective date (End): August 31, 2012
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Microbiology - Applied Microbiology
• Principal researcher: Luiz Tadeu Moraes Figueiredo
• Grantee: Alex Martins Machado
• Home Institution: Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto (FMRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The family Bunyaviridae has 5 genera, among which stands out the Hantavirus genus. Viruses of the genus Hantavirus are spherical, enveloped, with a diameter from 73 to 150 nm and projections on the surface glycoprotein (Gn and Gc). Inside the envelope is RNA of negative polarity trisegmented and a RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (L) required for the early stages of replication. The viral RNA is surrounded by a nucleoprotein (N). The Hantavirus exists in nature as zoonoses of wild rodents that transmit to humans through contaminated feces are inhaled as dust or by close contact with infected rodents. The Hantavirus have close association with its rodent reservoir being commonly species-specific. These viruses are the cause of human disease 2: Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS) occurring in Asia and Europe and the Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Syndrome Hantavirus (HCPS) that occurs in the Americas. The initial signs and symptoms of HCPS are common to other pathologies, which are: fever, myalgia, nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, sweating and dizziness. At a later stage of infection, there is the pulmonary phase, which is characterized by the appearance of respiratory failure due to capillary leak in the pulmonary vascular bed. Recently, it was first isolated in Brazil, the etiologic agent of HCPS in the region of Ribeirão Preto, Araraquara virus (ARAV). ARAV has as the wild rodent reservoir Necromys lasiurus. Recent studies have reported an animal model-HCPS in Syrian golden hamsters for the study of HCPS. Thus, we aim to work to study the kinetics of viral infection ARAV, in animal model Mesocricetus auratus and rodent reservoir Necromys lasiurus aims to understand aspects of the pathogenesis of the evolution of HCPS. Therefore, it is intended first, validate the animal model against the ARAV, determining the best dose and route of infection in these animals. Next check will determine patterns: physiological, pathological, biochemical, immunological and hematological parameters in two rodent species infected. Moreover, studies of transmission among rodents reservoir that also will be held, may elucidate mechanisms of infection and maintenance of Hantavirus in nature.