Prevalence of hantavirus infection in wild Rattus norvegicus and R. rattus populations of Buenos Aires City, Argentina.

Objective: To determine the prevalence of infection with hantaviruses in wild Rattus norvegicus and R. rattus populations in areas of Buenos Aires city.

Methods: Norway rats and black rats were trapped from 2003 to 2005 at 10 sites throughout Buenos Aires city. Blood samples for serological analysis were collected by cardiac puncture from all individuals captured and tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for Seoul hantavirus- and Andes virus-specific IgG antibodies.

Results: Hantavirus seroprevalence was 11.9% in R. norvegicus (n = 151), varying between 0% and 26.1% depending on the site. Bigger sexually active males were more likely to be infected with Seoul virus than females or juvenile individuals. No antibody-reactive rodents were detected among 33 R. rattus analysed.

Conclusion: Hantavirus infections are geographically widespread in Buenos Aires city and confirm that they have been enzootic there for at least 20 years.