Biology of hantavirus reservoir rodents in Chile Biología de roedores reservorios de hantavirus en Chile

Abstract

The basic biology of the potential hantavirus reservoir rodents from Chile are reviewed. The taxonomy and systematics of five endemic Muridae species, the oryzomine Oligoryzomys longicaudatus (probably the primary reservoir), the akodontines Abrothrix longipilis, Abrothrix olivaceus, and the phyllotines Loxodontomys micropus and Phyllotis darwini, are updated with some recent modifications, as well as their features like external characters, geographic distribution, habitat, etology, feeding, ecology, and reproduction. Particular attention is given to the molecular phylogenetic relationships between rodent species and their groups, as well as with those of their hantavirus hosts. An association between the evolution of the two groups seems to emerge, suggesting co-evolution between rodent species and virus. This important hypothesis remains to be tested. Other relationships between rodent species and their viral hosts are discussed.