Project Overview.
Malaysian scientists wearing personal protective equipmentThe objectives of this project are to examine the factors that led to the recent emergence of Hendra virus and Nipah virus in Australia and southeast Asia.
Henipa Virus focuses on the Henipavirus genus, which includes viruses such as Hendra (HeV) and Nipah (NiV). These viruses are known for their high lethality in humans and animals, particularly horses and pigs. Henipaviruses are unique within the Paramyxoviridae family due to their wide host range, including bats, which are natural reservoirs, and their ability to infect humans through intermediate hosts like horses and pigs.
Hendra virus was first identified in Australia and has caused several outbreaks, mainly affecting horses and humans with a high fatality rate in both. Nipah virus, first identified in Malaysia, is known for causing severe respiratory and neurological disease in humans, often leading to encephalitis and high mortality rates. Both viruses use ephrin-B2 and ephrin-B3 as their protein receptors, which are widely distributed in various vertebrate tissues.
Research and information on Henipaviruses include their molecular biology, transmission mechanisms, and outbreak management strategies. Efforts are ongoing to develop vaccines and antiviral treatments to mitigate the impact of these viruses on public health and agriculture.
Key Features
Transmission and Hosts:
Henipaviruses have a wide host range, primarily bats, but also including pigs, horses, and humans.
The main mode of transmission to humans is through direct contact with infected animals or their bodily fluids (ICTV).
Symptoms and Disease:
Infection can lead to severe respiratory illness and encephalitis.
Initial symptoms include fever, headache, cough, and sore throat, which can progress to more severe symptoms like disorientation, seizures, and coma (CDC).
Mortality Rates:
The mortality rate for Nipah virus infections can be as high as 40-75% (CDC).
Diagnosis and Treatment:
Early diagnosis is crucial and is usually done using RT-PCR or ELISA tests.
There is no specific antiviral treatment approved for Henipavirus infections; management primarily involves supportive care.
Experimental treatments, such as the use of monoclonal antibodies and antiviral drugs like remdesivir, are under investigation (CDC) (ICTV).
Prevention
Preventative measures focus on avoiding contact with infected animals and implementing proper protective measures for healthcare workers handling suspected cases (CDC).