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Emerging encephalitogenic viruses: lyssaviruses and henipaviruses transmitted by frugivorous bats

J S Mackenzie1, H E Field

  • 1Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Molecular and Microbial Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia. john.mackenzie@uq.edu.au

Archives of Virology. Supplementum
|May 4, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Three new zoonotic viruses, Hendra, Nipah, and Australian bat lyssavirus, have emerged from fruit bats. These viruses cause severe neurological and respiratory diseases in animals and humans, with many questions remaining about their transmission and spread.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Zoonotic Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Three novel encephalitogenic zoonotic viruses originating from Pteropus fruit bats have been identified in the last decade.
  • These include Hendra virus (equine morbillivirus), Australian bat lyssavirus, and Nipah virus.
  • These viruses pose significant threats to both animal and human health.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide an overview of newly recognized zoonotic viruses from fruit bats.
  • To describe the characteristics, clinical manifestations, and taxonomic classifications of Hendra virus, Nipah virus, and Australian bat lyssavirus.
  • To highlight the remaining questions regarding the epidemiology and pathogenesis of these emerging viruses.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and synthesis of existing data on Hendra virus, Nipah virus, and Australian bat lyssavirus.
  • Analysis of reported outbreaks and clinical cases in humans and animals.
  • Taxonomic classification based on genetic and antigenic properties.

Main Results:

  • Hendra and Nipah viruses belong to the new genus Henipavirus (Paramyxoviridae), causing neurological and pneumonic disease.
  • Australian bat lyssavirus is antigenically related to rabies virus (Rhabdoviridae) but genetically distinct, causing encephalitis.
  • Clinical presentations vary, with Nipah virus predominantly causing encephalitis in humans and respiratory disease in pigs, while Hendra virus can cause both.

Conclusions:

  • Hendra, Nipah, and Australian bat lyssavirus represent significant emerging zoonotic threats from fruit bats.
  • Further research is crucial to understand transmission, pathogenesis, and geographic distribution to inform public health strategies.
  • Effective surveillance and control measures are needed to mitigate the impact of these viruses.

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