Evidence for Hantavirus disease in Slovenia, Yugoslavia.

In Slovenia, North-Western part of Yugoslavia, 17 clinically documented Hantavirus disease cases (HVD) were serologically confirmed so far. Previously HVD was reported in the Southern part of Yugoslavia. By the indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFA), the prevalence of IgG class antibodies against different Hantaviral antigens was demonstrated in human sera collected in Slovenia. Three different reactivity patterns were observed. Majority of the IFA-positive human sera were confirmed by the immunoblot method. The distribution of Hantaviral infections was examined in small mammals captured in two natural foci of HVD, where clinical documented cases were reported. Hantaviral antibodies and antigens were demonstrated in C. glareolus, A. flavicollis, A. sylvaticus, and M. musculus.