Seroepizootiology of hantavirus infection in indigenous rodents in Korea, during 1995-2000

To better understand the reservoir host range and distribution of hantaviruses in small mammal populations in Korea, a serological survey was conducted on 1,375 wild rodents and 62 insectivores captured in seven provinces during the six-year period, 1995 to 2000. As determined by the indirect immunofluorescent antibody (IFA) test, 90 (13.1%) of 685 Apodemus agrarius, 47 (13.6%) of 345 Apodemus peninsulae, and 4 (6.5%) of 62 Crocidura laciura were seropositive against the Hantaan virus, while 38 (13.5%) of 282 Eothenomys regulus were seropositive against the Puumala virus. Serological evidence for hantavirus infection was not found in 50 Microtus fortis, six Micromys minutus, six Mus musculus, and one Cricetulus triton. Our serological data indicate that hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS)-related hantaviruses are widely distributed in indigenous rodents in Korea. Particularly noteworthy was the high seropositivity rates among Apodemus peninsulae and Eothenomys regulus captured in certain mountainous regions, suggesting that HFRS may be under-reported among nearby residents or among individuals who might visit such areas for recreational or occupational purposes.