Parasitic Infections in Hanta virus positive and negative red backed voles caught in southern Germany during the year 2000

The red backed vole is the most frequent mammal in central Europe, it was speculated that it could be used as an indicator for the occurrence of potentially zoonotic viral and parasitic pathogens in a certain area. 44 wild – caught red backed voles from Oberfranken were examined for presence of hantavirus infection and parasitic side infections. The voles were screened for viral infection by PCR, virus isolation and IFT, a selection of tissues (lung, liver, spleen, kidney, and brain) were examined pathohistologically for presence of viral inclusion bodies and parasites. 23 of the voles were tested positive for h…