Abstract
Hantaviruses are tri-segmented lipid-enveloped RNA viruses belonging to the Bunyaviridae family. Human infection corresponds to a zoonosis associated with two different clinical
syndromes: hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome that occurs in Asia and Europe and
hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome (HCPS) that occurs in the North America, Central
America and South America. The major pathogenic mechanisms in HCPS include (1) direct
microvascular endothelial injury leading to increased capillary permeability and the
development of noncardiogenic pulmonary edema and acute respiratory distress syndrome,
and (2) exaggerated host immune response leading to secondary organ damage. The incubation
period for this disease is quite long (6–39 days, median: 18 days); however, rapid
progression to respiratory failure and shock can occur highlighting the importance
of high index of clinical suspicion. Management revolves around high-quality supportive
care. Various management and preventative strategies are currently being explored
and warrant further examination to improve the overall outlook following infection
with hantavirus.
Keywords
Hantavirus - cardiopulmonary syndrome - zoonosis
