Hantaviruses as emerging zoonotic pathogens: A comprehensive review of their global distribution, disease burden, and public health significance

Abstract

The family Hantaviridae includes the newly discovered zoonotic infections known as hantaviruses, which are mostly found in rodent reservoirs. Inhaling aerosolized particles tainted with rodent urine, feces, or saliva is the primary way that humans become infected. Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS), which is primarily documented in Asia and Europe, and hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), which is primarily seen in the Americas, are the two main clinical syndromes caused by hantaviruses. Both disorders are marked by increased arterial permeability, endothelial dysfunction, and considerable morbidity and mortality, despite variations in clinical presentation. Environmental factors, human activity that increases exposure to infected rodents, and reservoir host ecology are all directly related to the epidemiology of hantavirus infection. In many areas, hantavirus-associated diseases have emerged and expanded due to climate variability, land-use changes, urbanization, and agricultural growth. Clinical observations, epidemiological history, serological tests, and molecular methods like reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) are all used to make the diagnosis. While several antiviral medications have demonstrated modest clinical efficacy, treatment is still primarily supportive, concentrating on the management of respiratory, cardiovascular, and renal problems. To lower exposure risk, preventive approaches mainly focus on public education, environmental sanitation, rodent control, and workplace safety procedures. There are still few vaccines that are effective worldwide, despite the fact that a number of vaccine candidates have been created and approved in a few nations. The etiology, epidemiology, transmission, pathogenesis, immune response, pathology, clinical signs, diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and public health significance of hantavirus infections are all summarized in this article. Improving disease surveillance, outbreak planning, and future control measures within a One Health framework requires a thorough understanding of these factors.