Long-Term Study of a Hantavirus Reservoir Population in an Urban Protected Area, Argentina

CAVIA, REGINO; MUSCHETTO, EMILIANO; PADULA, PAULA JULIETA; CUETO, GERARDO RUBÉN; SUÁREZ, OLGA VIRGINIA

ECOHEALTH

SPRINGER

Año: 2018 p. 804 - 814

1612-9202

Green spaces in urban areas can play a key role in protecting wildlife. However, the presence ofwildlife in urban areas can lead to human health risks. Although the presence of the rodent species Oligory-zomys flavescens (hantavirus reservoir) has been recorded in cities of Argentina, its population dynamics in thistype of habitat is still unknown. Here, we evaluated: (1) long-term spatial and temporal patterns of O. flavescensabundance and how these patterns were influenced by weather factors and (2) the seroprevalence of hantavirusand the identity of the viral lineage circulating in the population that inhabits the Costanera Sur EcologicalReserve, a protected area in the city of Buenos Aires. Genetic results confirmed that the pathogenic ANDESCentral Lechiguanas virus is present in O. flavescens populations inhabiting this urban reserve. Abundance ofO. flavescens showed interannual and seasonal fluctuations, with maximum values in winter and spring andminimum ones in summer and autumn. Summers with the highest abundances of O. flavescens were precededby warmer winters, while winters with lower abundances were preceded by warmer summers. On the otherhand, accumulated precipitations in the previous 6 months positively affected winter abundance. These resultscould help the authorities in charge of the green spaces of Buenos Aires to identify priority areas and times ofthe year for the implementation of preventive measures that minimize the contact of rodents with visitors. Suchmeasures could be intensified when winters are warmer than normal, and summers are cooler and wetter thannormal.