Epidemiology of nephropathia epidemica in Sweden

B. Niklasson, J. W. LeDuc

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

93 Scopus citations

Abstract

A comprehensive study of nephropathia epidemica (NE), caused by Puumala virus, was conducted in Sweden. Human sera from residents of various regions of Sweden were examined for antibody to Puumala virus, and the incidence of NE was determined. Small mammals were captured at locations throughout Sweden and were examined for antibody to Puumala virus and for antigen. The human serosurvey found the highest prevalence rates and the highest incidence rates in northern Sweden. The bank vole was found to be the most-abundant rodent, as well as the species most frequently positive for antibody. Antibody-positive voles were restricted to the northern two-thirds of the country, an area corresponding to that where most human disease was noted. These results suggest that the back vole is the principal host of Puumala virus in Sweden and clearly establish the region near 64°N as highly endemic for NE in humans.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)269-276
Number of pages8
JournalJournal of Infectious Diseases
Volume155
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - 1987
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Immunology and Allergy
  • Infectious Diseases

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