Nipah and Hendra Viruses: Deadly Zoonotic Paramyxoviruses with the Potential to Cause the Next Pandemic
Authors: Sabahat Gazal, Neelesh Sharma, Sundus Gazal, Mehak Tikoo, Deep Shikha, Gulzar Ahmed Badroo, Mohd Rashid, Sung-Jin Lee
Year: 2024
Journal: Pathogens
DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11121419
Summary
This paper discusses Nipah and Hendra viruses, which are deadly zoonotic paramyxoviruses with a case fatality rate of up to 75%. The authors emphasize the need for research on these viruses due to their extreme pathogenicity, pandemic potential, and lack of established antiviral therapeutics and vaccines.
Key Findings
- Nipah and Hendra viruses belong to the genus henipavirus in the family Paramyxoviridae
- The natural reservoirs of NiV and HeV are bats (flying foxes) with asymptomatic infection
- In humans, NiV infections result in severe respiratory and neurological manifestations
- Nipah virus was first identified in Malaysia and Singapore and subsequent outbreaks have been reported in Bangladesh and India
- Due to its extreme pathogenicity, pandemic potential, and lack of established antiviral therapeutics and vaccines, research on henipaviruses is highly warranted
Methodology
- Study Type: Review
Topics
Virology, Epidemiology, Clinical
Relevance
This paper is important for Nipah research as it highlights the potential pandemic threat and the need for antivirals or vaccines.
Source
View the entire paper: File:Pathogens-11-01419.pdf