| Arenavirus: LCM virus
Group |
"Virus isolates from the Old World
appear to be restricted to the family Muridae and those from the New World to the
family Cricetidae with two exceptions of Amapari virus which was isolated from a Muridae
(Neacomys) and TAC virus which was isolated from a fruit-eating bat (Artibeus).
Most viruses are found as a chronic infection in a single rodent host (Mus, Calomys,
Mastomys, Oryzomys, Sigmodon, Praomys, and the
fruit-eating bat Artibeus) in which persistent infection with viremia and/or
viruria occur or are suspected. Such infections may be caused by a slow and/or
insufficient immune response of the host. Natural spread to other mammals and humans is
unusual except for Lassa virus, a common infection of humans in West Africa, and Junin
virus, a less common but significant infection of humans in Argentina. LCMV infection of
humans has been significant in some urban areas with high rodent populations. It has also
been reported to be acquired from pet hamsters." (B72) |
