Authors: Pragya D. Yadav, Anita M. Shete, G. Arun Kumar, Prasad Sarkale, Rima R. Sahay, Chandni Radhakrishnan, Rajen Lakra, Prachi Pardeshi, Nivedita Gupta, Raman R. Gangakhedkar, V.R. Rajendran, Rajeev Sadanandan, Devendra T. Mourya
Year: 2018
Journal: Emerging Infectious Diseases
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3201/eid2505.181076
Summary#
This paper retrieves Nipah virus sequences from human and bat samples during a 2018 outbreak in Kerala, India, demonstrating the similarity of the virus from humans to that of bats, indicating bats as the source of the outbreak.
Key Findings#
- Nipah virus (NiV) from humans was 96.15% similar to a Bangladesh strain but 99.7%–100% similar to virus from Pteropus medius bats
- The NiV-positive fruit bat Pteropus medius was found in multiple Indian states, posing a possible source of infection
Methodology#
- Study Type: Observational Study
- Sample Size: 12 (4 humans, 3 bats)
- Geographic Focus: Kerala, India
- Time Period: May 2018
Topics#
Virology, Epidemiology
Relevance#
This paper adds to the understanding of Nipah virus origin and transmission dynamics in South Asia.