Dobrava-Belgrade orthohantavirus

Dobrava-Belgrade orthohantavirus (DOBV) is a species of virus in the genus Orthohantavirus, family Hantaviridae. It is a single-stranded, enveloped, negative-sense RNA virus. DOBV is one of several hantaviruses that cause Hantavirus hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS), a severe and often fatal disease in humans.

Taxonomy

DOBV is a member of the Orthohantavirus genus, which is part of the Bunyavirales order. The Orthohantavirus genus also includes other hantaviruses that cause HFRS, such as Hantaan virus and Seoul virus.

Structure and Genome

Like all hantaviruses, DOBV is enveloped and has a single-stranded, negative-sense RNA genome. The genome is segmented into three parts: the S (small), M (medium), and L (large) segments. The S segment encodes the nucleocapsid protein, the M segment encodes the envelope glycoproteins Gn and Gc, and the L segment encodes the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase.

Transmission and Disease

DOBV is primarily transmitted to humans through inhalation of aerosolized virus particles from the feces, urine, or saliva of infected rodents, particularly the yellow-necked field mouse (Apodemus flavicollis) and the striped field mouse (Apodemus agrarius).

In humans, DOBV causes Hantavirus hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS), a severe disease characterized by fever, hemorrhage, and kidney failure. The fatality rate of HFRS caused by DOBV is approximately 5-10%.

Prevention and Control

Prevention of DOBV infection primarily involves avoiding contact with rodents and their droppings. This can be achieved through rodent control measures and by taking precautions when entering rodent-infested areas. There is currently no specific antiviral treatment for DOBV infection, and management of the disease is primarily supportive.