Bandaviruses

Bandaviruses are a genus of enveloped, negative-sense, single-stranded RNA viruses in the family Hantaviridae, order Bunyavirales. The viruses are primarily associated with rodent hosts and can cause severe disease in humans. Bandaviruses typically have a tri-segmented genome (large L, medium M, and small S segments) encoding the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, the glycoproteins Gn and Gc, and the nucleocapsid protein. The genus includes several viruses known to cause human disease, and the specific clinical presentation depends on the virus lineage and host factors.

Transmission to humans occurs mainly through inhalation of aerosols contaminated with excreta from infected rodents; direct contact with rodents or bites can also transmit these viruses. Human-to-human transmission is rare and has been documented only in a few lineages. The diseases associated with bandaviruses include hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) in Eurasia and hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) in the Americas. Disease severity varies by virus, exposure level, and host characteristics.

Natural reservoirs are diverse rodent species, with geographic distribution reflecting rodent ecology. Outbreak risk increases in areas with high rodent density or environmental conditions that promote rodent populations, such as certain agricultural or peri-urban settings. Diagnosis relies on serology (IgM/IgG) and molecular methods (RT-PCR), with virus isolation rarely performed in routine clinical practice. There are no widely licensed vaccines for general use; some region-specific vaccines and experimental candidates have been developed. Treatment is primarily supportive care, though antiviral options such as ribavirin may be considered in some cases when administered early. Prevention focuses on rodent control, minimizing exposure to rodent excreta, and appropriate respiratory protection in high-risk settings.