Abstract

Hantavirus is associated with hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) and hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS). The clinical diagnosis of hantavirus infections has been confirmed routinely by the immunofluorescence antibody assay (IFA) or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). A rapid and easy diagnostic test for hantavirus infection is required. A new immunochromatographic assay for hantavirus, POC-PUU, useful for the diagnosis of epidemic nephrophaty associated with hantavirus Puumala in Europe, was evaluated in Chile. This test is based on recombinant N-protein of hantavirus Puumala, and cross-reacts with other hantaviruses. Eighty human sera we re selected at random from patients from Southern Chile who were suspected with HPS. The hantavirus capture-IgM ELISA was compared with a commercially available POC-PUU test (POC PUUMALA, Reagena Ltd., Toivala, Finland). The test sensitivity and specificity of the POC-PUU test were 97 and 90%, respectively. It is important to note that although the test is not specific for Andes virus the sensitivity and specificity were above 90%, which indicates good reactivity to the Puumala nucleoprotein antigen. As this test is cost-effective, with a high negative value, rapid and easy to carry out, specialized personnel are not necessary, nor does it require specialized equipment. Its usefulness for diagnosis is important in hospitals far from reference centers and areas with a high incidence of HPS cases. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.