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تسجيل

Hendra Virus and Nipah Virus Infections

المؤلف:  Stefan Riedel, Jeffery A. Hobden, Steve Miller, Stephen A. Morse, Timothy A. Mietzner, Barbara Detrick, Thomas G. Mitchell, Judy A. Sakanari, Peter Hotez, Rojelio Mejia

المصدر:  Jawetz, Melnick, & Adelberg’s Medical Microbiology

الجزء والصفحة:  28e , p610-611

2026-01-05

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Two zoonotic paramyxoviruses that represent a new genus (Henipavirus) were recognized in the late 1990s in disease outbreaks in Australasia (see Table 1). An outbreak of severe encephalitis in Malaysia in 1998 and 1999 was caused by Nipah virus. There was a high mortality rate (>35%) among more than 250 cases; a few survivors had persistent neuro logic deficits. It appeared that the infections were caused by direct viral transmission from pigs to humans. Some patients (<1%) may develop late onset encephalitis months to several years after the initial Nipah virus infection.

Table1. Characteristics of Genera in the Subfamilies of the Family Paramyxoviridae

Hendra virus—an equine virus—has caused many horse fatalities and a few human fatalities in Australia. An equine outbreak in 2008 resulted in two human cases of Hendra virus encephalitis, one of which was fatal. The attack rate among veterinary clinic staff exposed to infected horses was 10%.

Fruit bats (flying foxes) are the natural host for both Nipah and Hendra viruses. Ecologic changes, including land use and animal husbandry practices, are probably the reason for the emergence of these two infectious diseases.

Both viruses are of public health concern because of their high mortality rate, wide host range, and ability to jump species barriers. They are classified as Biosafety Level 4 pathogens. No vaccines or proven therapies are available.