This study shows an experimental spillover infection of
Sigmodontinae rodents with Rio Mamore hantavirus
(RIOMV).
Necromys lasiurus and
Akodon
sp were infected with 10
3 RNA copies of RIOMV by intraperitoneal administration.
The viral genome was detected in heart, lung, and kidney tissues 18 days after infection (ai), and viral
excretion in urine and faeces began at four and six ai, respectively. These results reveal that urine and faeces of
infected rodents contain the virus for at least 18 days. It is possible that inhaled aerosols of these excreta could
transmit hantavirus to humans and other animals.