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Hendra and Nipah virus infections
1Australian Animal Health Laboratory, Division of Animal Health, CSIRO, Geelong, Victoria, Australia.
The Veterinary Clinics of North America. Equine Practice
|February 24, 2001
Summary
Hendra virus causes severe pneumonia and neurological disease in horses and humans, primarily through blood vessel infection. Fruit bats are the identified reservoir hosts for this zoonotic virus.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Pathology
- Virology
Background:
- Hendra virus (HeV) infection presents as severe interstitial pneumonia in horses and humans, linked to viral vasculitis.
- Neurological disease is also a potential manifestation of HeV infection.
- The virus is transmitted via close contact with infected body fluids, not through contagion among horses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detail the clinical and pathological findings of Hendra virus infection.
- To outline diagnostic approaches for Hendra virus.
- To identify the natural reservoir hosts of Hendra and Nipah viruses.
Main Methods:
- Clinical and pathological examination of affected horses and humans.
- Laboratory analysis of blood, lung, kidney, spleen, and brain tissues.
- Identification of viral presence and associated inflammation in tissues.
Main Results:
- Severe interstitial pneumonia due to viral vasculitis is the primary manifestation.
- Neurological signs can occur, with evidence of Nipah virus in one horse's brain.
- Fruit bats (Pteropus spp.) are implicated as natural reservoir hosts for both HeV and Nipah virus.
Conclusions:
- Hendra virus infection requires laboratory diagnosis through examination of multiple tissues.
- Understanding the role of fruit bats is crucial for managing HeV and Nipah virus transmission.
- Preventive strategies should focus on limiting exposure to infected body fluids and bat populations.