A new investigation led by a Saskatoon infectious disease laboratory is delving into how the immune responses of humans differ from those of rodents, in a bid to discover effective treatments for hantavirus. The urgency of this research has escalated following a recent outbreak linked to a cruise ship, which has resulted in three fatalities. The World Health Organization is currently monitoring the health of passengers who boarded the vessel in Argentina on April 11.
Understanding Hantavirus
Dr. Bryce Warner, a scientist with the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO) at the University of Saskatchewan, explains that deer mice are the primary carriers of hantavirus, though other rodents can also harbour the virus. Notably, these deer mice do not exhibit any signs of illness when infected. “When deer mice are infected with the virus, they don’t get sick. They don’t show any clinical signs of illness. And so they carry it for life and they don’t seem to be harmed at all, which is obviously different from when humans become infected,” Warner remarked.
Symptoms of hantavirus in humans can range from fatigue, dizziness, and fever to more severe manifestations like shortness of breath and respiratory distress as the disease progresses. According to Health Canada, the condition can be fatal without appropriate treatment, and the incidence of hantavirus in Canada is relatively low, with five to ten cases reported annually, predominantly in Saskatchewan and Alberta. However, the stakes are high, as approximately 40 per cent of these cases end in death.
Current Research Initiatives
The research being conducted at VIDO is focused on contrasting the immune system responses of deer mice and humans. Warner noted that the aim is to pinpoint specific biomarkers that could be targeted for potential therapies. “We’re in the very early stages of that project right now,” he stated, indicating that while they are hopeful, the specific details of any potential treatment remain uncertain.
Currently, there are no approved vaccines for hantavirus in Canada or elsewhere in the Americas. Warner mentioned that while a few vaccines have undergone initial clinical trials, progress has been limited. “My lab here at VIDO is working on one or two approaches and we’re in early clinical trials or pre-clinical studies right now. We’re hoping that one of those can lead to something,” he explained. It’s worth noting that vaccines are available in China and South Korea, but they target strains of the virus not found in the Americas.
Preventative Measures
As researchers strive to develop effective treatments, Warner emphasised that individuals can take preventive measures to reduce their risk of hantavirus infection. The virus can be shed in the urine, faeces, and saliva of infected rodents, and when cleaning areas where rodents have been present, the virus can become airborne and inhaled.
“Really, the risk prevention there is to be aware of it and air out those spaces and use a disinfectant, wear a mask, wear gloves when you’re cleaning those spaces if you know you have a rodent infestation,” he advised.
Why it Matters
As the threat of hantavirus looms larger following recent outbreaks, the ongoing research at VIDO is not just a scientific endeavour; it embodies a critical public health initiative. Understanding how this virus interacts with the human immune system could pave the way for groundbreaking treatments that save lives. The importance of proactive measures cannot be overstated, especially as we navigate an era where zoonotic diseases pose increasing risks to human health. With collaboration and innovation, there is hope for effective interventions that can mitigate the impact of hantavirus and protect vulnerable populations.
