Evidence of Hantavirus circulation among municipal street sweepers, southwest of Iran.

Hantaviruses are rodent-borne zoonosis pathogens that cause hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) and Hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome (HCPS) in humans. Rodents spread the virus via their excretions. The outbreak of Hantaviruses pose a significant public health problem. The epidemiology and history of Hantaviruses in Iran is not clear and regardless of the data from the few available studies, little is known about its epidemiology in this country. Herein, we discuss the prevalence of IgG antibody against Hantavirus serotypes in 385 street sweepers from southwest of Iran. Serum samples were investigated, using Hantavirus Pool 1 "Eurasia" IgG kit and Pool 2 "America" ELISA IgG kit (Euroimmun, Germany) to detect IgG antibodies against Old and New World Hantaviruses. The results showed a specific IgG antibody in two samples (0.5%). Both of seropositive cases had specific IgG antibody against Old World Hantaviruses. The data of the current study along with the previous data, indicate the circulation of Hantaviruses in Iran. Hence, the risk of Hantavirus infection in high-risk groups should be considered as a serious health issue. © Indian Virological Society 2021.