What does "Hemorrhagic Fever With Renal Syndrome" mean?
Table of Contents
Hemorrhagic Fever With Renal Syndrome (HFRS) is a serious illness caused by certain viruses, including Hantaan virus and Puumala orthohantavirus. This condition can lead to symptoms such as high fever, bleeding, kidney damage, and low platelet levels.
Causes
HFRS is mainly caused by viruses that are spread through contact with infected animals or their droppings. People can get the virus when they breathe in particles that contain the virus.
Symptoms
The symptoms of HFRS usually begin 1 to 2 weeks after exposure to the virus. Common signs include:
- Fever
- Headaches
- Muscle pain
- Abdominal pain
- Bleeding from the nose or gums
- Decreased kidney function
Immune Response
When the body gets infected, the immune system tries to fight the virus. In HFRS, certain immune cells called natural killer (NK) cells play a role. Some of these cells can be affected by proteins from the virus, which might stop them from working properly. However, in some cases, these cells can become more active and help the body respond better to the infection.
Severity
The severity of HFRS can vary. Some patients may experience mild symptoms, while others may face severe complications, especially in kidney function. Studies have shown that certain immune responses, such as the presence of specific antibodies, can be linked to the severity of the disease.
Conclusion
HFRS is a serious viral infection that can cause significant health problems. Understanding how the immune system responds to these viruses is important for finding better ways to treat and manage the disease.