Rapid Communication Rescue of Hantaan virus minigenomes

Authors

Kirsten Flick, Special Pathogens Program, National Microbiology Laboratory, Health Canada, Canadian Science Centre for Human and Animal Health
Connie S. Schmaljohn, U.S. Army Medical Research Institute for Infectious DiseasesFollow
Ralf F. Petterson, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research
Heinz Feldmann, Special Pathogens Program, National Microbiology Laboratory, Health Canada, Canadian Science Centre for Human and Animal Health, University of Manitoba
Ramon Flick, Special Pathogens Program, National Microbiology Laboratory, Health Canada, Canadian Science Centre for Human and Animal Health, University of ManitobaFollow
Jay Hooper, U.S. Army Medical Research Institute for Infectious Diseases

Document Type

Article

Date of this Version

2003

Citation

Virology 306 (2003) 219–224

Comments

This article is a U.S. government work, and is not subject to copyright in the United States.

Abstract

Hantavirus infections are a major public health concern worldwide. Their widespread geographical distribution and their ability to produce serious, often fatal, human disease underline the need for a system that allows manipulation of these viruses. We describe here the first successful establishment of a reverse genetics technology for Hantaan virus, the prototype of the genus Hantavirus. The system offers a unique opportunity to study the biology of hantaviruses, the pathogenesis of the diseases, and the efficacy of antiviral and prophylactic measures against hantavirus infections.