Therapeutic Approaches for New World Hantaviruses

Abstract

New World Hantaviruses are characterized by a fairly non-specific viral prodrome, usually followed by a precipitous decline in cardiopulmonary function leading to circulatory collapse and multiorgan failure. Combined with a sporadic nature and unclear epidemiology, the development and use of specific treatments for Hantavirus infection are difficult. The underpinning of any therapeutic approach to Hantavirus disease is providing supportive care long enough for the elaboration of a curative immune response on the part of the patient. At this time, this is best accomplished by a combination of clinical acumen for the recognition of the chief risk factor, namely exposure to rodent excreta, combined with early referral and transfer to a clinical centre capable of providing advanced cardiopulmonary support. Several additional therapies are currently under investigation, ranging from antiviral drugs to convalescent serum. While these offer some early promise, none of these will be able to replace aggressive cardiopulmonary support in the foreseeable future.