Seroprevalence of arenavirus and hantavirus in indigenous populations from the Caribbean, Colombia

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:   In Colombia, there is insufficient epidemiological surveillance of zoonotic hemorrhagic viruses.

METHODS:  We performed a sero-epidemiological study in indigenous populations of Wayuü, Kankuamos, and Tuchin communities using Maciel hantavirus and Junin arenavirus antigens for IgG detection by ELISA.

RESULTS  IgG antibodies to hantavirus and arenavirus were found in 5/506 (1%) and 2/506 (0.4%) serum samples, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS:   Arenavirus and hantavirus circulate in indigenous populations from the Colombian Caribbean region, and the results indicate that the indigenous populations are exposed to these zoonotic agents, with unknown consequences on their health, despite low seroprevalence.

Keywords: Health services; Indigenous population groups; Zoonoses; Rodent diseases; Arenaviruses; Hantaviruses