Inapparent Infections with Junin Virus among Laboratory Workers

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Abstract
A serologic survey was conducted in 127 workers from five laboratories where Junin virus is handled for research or diagnostic purposes. They had no previous clinical history of Argentine hemorrhagic fever (AHF). Serum samples were studied by neutralization, complement fixation (CF), and fluorescent antibody (FA) tests using Junin virus antigens. As a control, the same tests were performed in 18 laboratory workers known to have contracted AHF in the past. CF tests against Tacaribe virus were performed in workers exposed to this virus. Neutralizing antibodies to Junin virus were detected in 12 of the 127 persons without a previous history of AHF and in 17 of the 18 who had the discase. All samples of serum were negative by CF. FA was detected in six of 12 persons with subclinical infections and in 12 of 13 clinical cases. The 12 cases of inapparent infection were in high-risk persons who worked directly with Junin virus. In addition to the subclinical infections detected in this study, a substantial number of cases of hemorrhagic fevers, some of them fatal, have occurred in personnel from laboratories working with Junin, Machupo, Lassa, and lymphocytic choriomeningitis viruses. Therefore, the hazards of handling arenaviruses and the need for working under strict isolation are emphasized.

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