Human seroprevalence indicating hantavirus infections in tropical rainforests of Côte d’Ivoire and Democratic Republic of Congo

A seroprevalence study reveals human exposure to hantaviruses in tropical rainforests of Côte d’Ivoire and the Democratic Republic of Congo, with rates of 3.9% and 2.4%, respectively. These findings suggest a higher prevalence than previously reported in neighboring regions like Guinea and South Africa, indicating potential public health significance. The study used enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), confirmed by Western blotting and immunofluorescence testing, to detect antibodies against hantavirus nucleoproteins in serum samples. This research underscores the need for further investigations into clinical hantavirus disease in West and Central African rainforest areas, particularly among patients exhibiting fever or renal/respiratory symptoms.

Witkowski, P. T., Leendertz, S. A. J., Auste, B., Akoua-Koffi, C., Schubert, G., Klempa, B., Muyembe-Tamfum, J.-J., Karhemere, S., Leendertz, F. H., & Krüger, D. H. (2015). Human seroprevalence indicating hantavirus infections in tropical rainforests of Côte d’Ivoire and Democratic Republic of Congo. Frontiers in Microbiology, 6. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2015.00518