Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) Flashcards
1) Know bases for contracting HPS virus and how to prevent it. 2) Know symptoms of HPS and its progression to disease. 3) Know the supportive measures to treat HPS.
Classify Hantavirus Pulmonary syndrome:
Bunyaviridae family
1) negative sense RNA
2) 3 segments
3) spherical, enveloped
**causes a severe, sometimes fatal respiratory disease
How do people get infected with HPS?
Primarily by breathing air containing aerosolized rodent saliva, urine, or feces.
Where in the US has most HPS been seen?
The four corners region of the US southwest (NM, AZ, CO, and UT)
What is the best prevention from getting HPS?
Avoid rodents and their habitats
What is unique about hantavirus’ reservoir?
Each hantavirus is adapted to a single host rodent species.
What is the basic mechanism of HPS to cause disease?
Increased pulmonary capillary permeability that leads to severe pulmonary edema
Which cells are recruited to the lungs in response to the high levels of viremia there?
Lymphoblasts and macrophages, which release lymphokine-mediated activation of vascular endothelium, which increases pulmonary capillary permeability
What are the two stages of HPS?
1st stage is progressive flu like symptoms
2nd stage is rapid onset of pulmonary edema, respiratory failure, and cardiogenic shock.
Is HPS transmissible among people?
No
How is diagnosis of HPS difficult?
It has flu like symptoms.
- *need history: if they’ve been trying to kill rodents, suspect HPS
- *labs showing low platelets, high WBC w/left shift, high HCT, and immunoblasts on blood smear helps
What lab test/method is useful for diagnosis?
Serology.
**helpful due to the long incubation period before disease onset
How do you treat HPS?
- *No specific therapies.
1) Early use of pressor drugs
2) Vent support
3) Do NOT give excessive fluid since this makes pulmonary edema worse
