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Geographical Distribution and Age Related Prevalence of Antibody to Hantaan-Like Virus in Rat Populations of Baltimore, Maryland, USA^*

James E. Childs, George W. Korch, Gregory A. Smith, Anne D. Terry AND James W. Leduc

Department of Epidemiology, U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, Maryland 21701
The Johns Hopkins University School of Hygiene and Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21205

Recent studies indicate that domestic rats (Rattus norvegicus) from harborside areas within port cities of the United States are infected with a Hantaan-like virus. The geographical distribution of seropositive rats may be extremely localized within these urban environments. We surveyed four widely separated residential sites distant from the harbor within Baltimore, Maryland, USA, to determine the geographical distribution and prevalence of antibody to Hantaan-like virus in rats from urban areas of high human population density. Captured rats were weighed and examined for sexual maturity to allow some estimation of age, and their sera were examined by indirect immunofluorescent antibody assay for antibody to Hantaan virus. Seropositive rats were found at all four sites within Baltimore. Increasing antibody prevalence and high titers were associated with increasing rat weight and sexual maturity. Our results show that infection of rats by a Hantaan-like virus is widespread in Baltimore. Antibody in rats may be due to infections acquired during maturation or the delayed seroconversion of rats infected prior to weaning.

Accepted for publication August 19, 1984.

^* In conducting the research described in this report, the investigators adhered to the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, as promulgated by the National Research Council. The facilities are fully accredited by the American Association for Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care.

These investigations were performed while the senior author was a Research Associate sponsored by the National Research Council. The views of the authors do not purport to reflect the positions of the Department of the Army or the Department of Defense.

Address reprint requests to: Dr. James Childs, Department of Epidemiology, USAMRIID, Fort Detrick, Frederick, Maryland 21701.