Question

Which of these viruses is spread through mouse urine or feces? a. Epstein-Barr b. hantavirus c. human immunodeficiency virus d. cytomegalovirus

Short answer

b. hantavirus

Step-by-step solution

Identify the virus transmitted by rodents

Investigate the transmission methods of each virus listed. Epstein-Barr is commonly transmitted through saliva, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) through bodily fluids, cytomegalovirus (CMV) through bodily fluids and close personal contact, and hantavirus is known to be transmitted to humans through contact with rodent urine, droppings, or saliva.

Match the transmission method with the virus

Since the question asks for the virus that is spread through mouse urine or feces, the only match from the given options is hantavirus.

Key concepts

Hantavirus

The correct answer to the exercise is hantavirus, a rodent-borne virus that is typically transmitted to humans through the inhalation of dust contaminated with the urine, feces, or saliva of infected rodents. Beyond inhalation, people can also contract the virus by directly handling rodents or their waste, or through bite wounds. Although person-to-person transmission is extremely rare, cases have been noted in some hantavirus strains outside of the United States.

Hantavirus can cause various diseases in humans, with one of the more notorious ones being Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), which is predominantly found in North and South America. Symptoms often start with fever, muscle aches, and fatigue, but can rapidly escalate to severe respiratory distress and, in some cases, can be fatal. Preventive measures include rodent control and avoiding exposure to rodent droppings, especially in areas where outbreaks have occurred.

Viral Infection Vectors

Understanding the concept of viral infection vectors is crucial in addressing the exercise. A vector in terms of viral infections is any agent that carries and transmits an infectious pathogen into another living organism. Vectors are most commonly arthropods, like mosquitoes and ticks, but can also include any living carrier, such as rodents in the case of hantavirus.

Rodents act as the primary vector for the transmission of hantavirus to humans. Other viruses are transmitted through different vectors and pathways. For example, Epstein-Barr virus is commonly transmitted through saliva, HIV through bodily fluids like blood and semen, and cytomegalovirus (CMV) also through body fluids and close personal contact. Each viral infection has specific vectors and understanding these can massively help in preventing and controlling the spread of such diseases.

Rodent-Borne Diseases

Discussing rodent-borne diseases provides insight into the broader context of the solution. Rodent-borne diseases, such as those caused by hantavirus, are a significant public health concern. They are transmitted by rodents like mice and rats, which are effective vectors due to their proximity to human habitats and their ability to harbor a wide range of zoonotic pathogens.

Other well-known rodent-borne diseases include leptospirosis, rat-bite fever, and the bubonic plague, known historically as the 'Black Death.' Addressing rodent-borne diseases requires comprehensive approaches that encompass public health education, pest control, sanitation efforts, and in some cases, vaccine development. Prevention is often centered on minimizing contact with rodents, effectively disposing of garbage to avoid attracting them, and maintaining clean dwelling spaces to reduce the risk of infection.