Zoonotic Spillover: Global Diversity Of Mammals And Distribution Of Hantaviral Strains In Synathropic Animals And The Perspective For Public Health

Abstract

Introduction: Viral hemorrhagic fevers (VHF) refer to a group of diseases caused by different viral families. Rodents represent 42% of the world’s mammalian biodiversity and are reservoir hosts for a wide range of disease agents. Hantaviruses are harbored in numerous mammalian reservoirs, including rodents. To prevent and mitigate possible outbreaks of zoonotic diseases, it is necessary to know the geographic distribution, intra-specific relationships, diversity and identity of the incriminated species. Objectives: To describe the ecology, epidemiology, epizootiology and natural history of hemorrhagic infections caused by hantavirus serotypes and their respective reservoirs. Methodology: Bibliographical consultations and online articles were carried out in the databases relating the highlighted subjects. Results: Rodents from the subfamilies Murinae, Arvicolinae, Neotominae and Sigmodontinae are the main reservoirs of hantavirus disease. Orthohantaviruses are the most studied group, highlighting the Hantaan, Seoul, Puumala and Dobrava serotypes. Rodents of the genus Oligoryzomys, include several species and have parasite-host relationships reported for the genus Hantavirus. Other species of mammals, such as bats, squirrels and opossums, have already been described as possible reservoirs. Conclusion: Hantavirus infections occur as a result of close interactions between humans and animals. One Health approaches highlight concerns through interdisciplinary collaboration and development of public health interventions when animals become vectors of infections, with the aim of achieving global results by recognizing the interconnection between wildlife, humans and the environment.