From the Research
To diagnose hantavirus infection, a healthcare provider should order specific blood tests, including an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and sometimes an immunoblot test to confirm results, as well as a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test to detect viral genetic material in the blood, as recommended by the most recent study 1. The diagnostic methods for detecting hantavirus infection include:
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to detect antibodies against the virus
- Immunoblot test to confirm the results of the ELISA test
- Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test to detect viral genetic material in the blood
- Complete blood count to check for low platelet counts, which are common in hantavirus infections These tests are crucial in diagnosing hantavirus infection, especially in individuals who have experienced flu-like symptoms after potential exposure to rodent droppings, urine, or saliva, particularly in rural or wilderness areas 2, 3, 4, 5. The most recent study 1 developed RT-qPCR and semi-nested RT-PCR assays for molecular diagnosis of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, which showed high sensitivity and specificity, making them powerful tools in diagnostic, surveillance, and research applications. It is essential to note that early diagnosis is critical because hantavirus can progress to a serious respiratory condition called Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), which has a high mortality rate 3, 5. Therefore, if you suspect exposure to hantavirus, especially if you've recently been in rodent-infested areas and are experiencing symptoms, you should seek medical attention immediately.