How common is LCMV infection?
The disease has historically been underreported, often making it difficult to determine incidence rates or estimates of prevalence by geographic region. Several serologic studies conducted in urban areas have shown that the prevalence of LCMV antibodies in human populations range from 2% to 5%.
How do you know if you have LCMV?
Symptoms of LCMV infection are similar to those for influenza and include fever, stiff neck, a lack of appetite, muscle aches, headache, nausea and vomiting and occur 1–2 weeks after exposure to an infected rodent. The symptoms may be much more severe in pregnant women and people with a weakened immune system.
How rare is LCMV?
Surveys have shown that the prevalence of LCMV infection among humans ranges from 2% to 5% in urban areas.
How long does LCMV virus live?
LCMV will retain its infectivity for at least 206 days if stored in 50% glycerine and 0.85% saline at 4-10°C 1.
What are the chances of getting LCMV?
As many as 7 in 10 children (70 percent) between 1 and 3 years of age who go to day care may have CMV. They can pass it on to their families, caretakers and other children. You may be more likely than other people to get CMV if you: Have young children at home.
Is LCMV airborne?
If you do come in contact with a rodent or its urine, droppings, or nesting materials, wash hands very well with soap and water afterwards. Avoid vacuuming or sweeping rodent urine, droppings, or nesting materials, which can cause the virus to become airborne and increase the chance of breathing in the virus.
Can humans LCMV?
Humans can acquire LCMV during any season, but most LCMV infections occur during the late autumn and early winter months, reflecting the seasonal movement of mice into human homes during the cold season2. The incidence of congenital LCMV infection is not known.
What is parvovirus in pregnancy?
Fifth disease is a mild rash illness caused by parvovirus B19. This disease is usually not a problem for pregnant women and their babies. About half of pregnant women are immune to parvovirus B19, so they and their babies are usually protected from getting the virus and fifth disease.
How does a pregnant woman know if she has CMV?
Testing for CMV infection is a simple blood test, called a CMV IgG antibody. It will determine if a pregnant woman has had CMV. A positive result indicates a current or past CMV infection. A second blood test, called CMV IgM antibody will help determine if the CMV infection is current or past.
How is LCMV treated?
No specific drug treatment is indicated in most cases of LCMV infection. Most patients improve spontaneously within 1-3 weeks with no sequelae. Ribavirin has in vitro activity against LCMV and has been used with success in transplant recipients with severe disease. Intravenous ribavirin is not commercially available.
How is LCMV transmitted?
LCMV infections can occur after exposure to fresh urine, droppings, saliva, or nesting materials from infected rodents. Transmission may also occur when these materials are directly introduced into broken skin, the nose, the eyes, or the mouth, or presumably, via the bite of an infected rodent.
Can a human be infected with the LCMV virus?
LCMV infections of humans have been reported worldwide, wherever infected rodent hosts are found. As with other arenaviruses, contact with infected rodents, their urine or droppings is associated with most human infections.
Who is the host of lymphocytic choriomeningitis ( LCM ) virus?
Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis (LCM) Lymphocytic choriomeningitis, or LCM, is a rodent-borne viral infectious disease caused by lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV), a member of the family Arenaviridae, that was initially isolated in 1933. The primary host of LCMV is the common house mouse, Mus musculus.
Where does LCMV come from in a mouse?
LCMV is shed at high titer in mouse feces and urine and is probably not transmitted by arthropod vectors. Another source of infection is the Syrian hamster ( Mesocricetus auratus ), which, like the mouse, can harbor a long-term persistent infection.
What are the side effects of lymphocytic choriomeningitis ( LCMV )?
Under reported complications include myelitis, Guillain–Barré-type syndrome, cranial nerve palsies, transient or permanent hydrocephalus, sensorineural hearing loss, orchitis, arthritis and parotitis. LCMV infections have also been associated with pancreatitis, pneumonitis, myocarditis and pericarditis.
