Abstract 

New World Mammarenaviruses are highly lethal human pathogens primarily endemic to South  America where they cause significant social burden within disadvantaged populations. Few  therapeutic options exist and treatment primarily relies on supportive care. Save a single vaccine,  licensed only in Argentina, preventative measures are restricted to controlling rodent host  populations. For these reasons the World Health Organization along with independent  governments list New World viruses as priority agents with potential for biological threat.  Recent discoveries suggest these viruses may be more common than previously thought and  there is concern environmental impacts, travel and exported goods may fuel an increasing  number of infections. Despite hemorrhagic manifestations clinical disease is difficult to  diagnose; prevention is vital. It is necessary that vaccination strategies meet both the physical  and sociological challenges presented. Rational prophylactic design looks for associations and  relationships amongst hosts and pathogens to customize optimal response. Within New World  viral populations there is evidence cross-protection exists and a single vaccine may be capable of  addressing both emerging and reemerging infections. This review presents the key findings  driving rational prophylactic design in response to New World Mammarenaviruses.

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