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[Emergence of transmissible disorders, a continuous process--a new type of viral meningoencephalitis]
1Facultatea de Medicină Disciplina de Epidemiologie, Universitatea de Medicină şi Farmacie Gr. T. Popa Iaşi.
Abstract:
In the interval 1994-1999, in Australia, Malaysia and Singapore, epizootic and epidemiological episodes of meningoencephalitis and severe acute respiratory syndromes were reported. Highly lethal in horses, swine and humans, the episodes were proved to be caused by the "new" viruses Hendra (HeV) and Nipah (NiV). At the same time three "new" viral agents have been isolated: Lyssavirus, Menanglevirus and Tupaia paramyxovirus. The intense contemporary circulation of people, animals and food products together with changes in human ecosystem favor new relations between humans and the "natural reservoirs" of biologic agents with a pathogenic potential for domestic and peridomestic animals and humans.
Insights
New lethal viruses, Hendra (HeV) and Nipah (NiV), caused severe outbreaks in Australia, Malaysia, and Singapore between 1994-1999. These zoonotic viruses pose significant risks to animals and humans, highlighting emerging infectious disease threats.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Virology
- Emerging Infectious Diseases
- Zoonotic Pathogens
Context:
- Epizootic and epidemiological events of meningoencephalitis and severe acute respiratory syndromes occurred in Australia, Malaysia, and Singapore from 1994-1999.
- These outbreaks were linked to highly lethal infections in horses, swine, and humans, caused by novel viruses: Hendra virus (HeV) and Nipah virus (NiV).
- Concurrently, three new viral agents—Lyssavirus, Menanglevirus, and Tupaia paramyxovirus—were isolated, indicating a broader emergence of viral threats.
Purpose:
- To report and analyze the emergence of novel zoonotic viruses, Hendra (HeV) and Nipah (NiV), responsible for severe epizootic and epidemiological episodes.
- To identify and characterize newly isolated viral agents circulating during the same period.
- To explore the factors contributing to the increased risk of zoonotic disease transmission.
Summary:
- Between 1994 and 1999, outbreaks of severe respiratory and neurological diseases in Australia, Malaysia, and Singapore were attributed to Hendra virus (HeV) and Nipah virus (NiV).
- These highly lethal viruses affected horses, swine, and humans, underscoring their zoonotic potential.
- The isolation of Lyssavirus, Menanglevirus, and Tupaia paramyxovirus during this time further highlights the emergence of novel viral threats.
Impact:
- Increased understanding of the epidemiology and pathogenicity of Hendra and Nipah viruses.
- Highlights the potential for novel viral agents to emerge and cause significant morbidity and mortality in animal and human populations.
- Emphasizes the role of ecological changes and global interconnectedness in facilitating the emergence and spread of zoonotic diseases.