Hantavirus Infection of the Inner Ear

Abstract

Hantaviruses, which cause hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) in humans, were inoculated intraperitoneally into newborn rats. Inner ears and other organs were examined by immunohistochemical and histopathological methods. Viral antigens were detected in Reissner membrane, stria vasculasis and spiral ganglia of the inner ear, spleen and kidney. Virus was isolated from blood of the rats which were sacrificed at one year after infection. These results suggest that Hantavirus may play same roles in persistent infection and the damage of auditory system.