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Paramyxoviruses infecting humans: the old, the new and the unknown

Elena R Virtue1, Glenn A Marsh, Lin-Fa Wang

  • 1CSIRO Livestock Industries, Australian Animal Health Laboratory (AAHL), Geelong, VIC, Australia. elena.vitue@csiro.au

Future Microbiology
|June 5, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Emerging paramyxoviruses, including Hendra virus, pose increasing zoonotic risks. This review examines their reservoirs, disease burden, and human infection potential, highlighting a rise in cross-species transmission.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Zoonotic Diseases
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Paramyxoviruses were historically considered low-risk pathogens with limited host ranges.
  • The emergence of Hendra virus in 1994 marked a shift, with new Paramyxoviridae members identified as significant zoonotic threats.
  • Recent years show an increased incidence of paramyxoviruses causing zoonotic transmission between wildlife, livestock, and humans.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the current scientific knowledge on emerging paramyxoviruses.
  • To review the disease burden and known reservoirs of these viruses.
  • To provide a comparative analysis of older and newly emerging paramyxoviruses infecting humans.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of scientific knowledge on emerging paramyxoviruses.
  • Comparative analysis of viral characteristics and host interactions.
  • Assessment of disease burden and reservoir identification.

Main Results:

  • Paramyxoviruses are increasingly recognized as significant zoonotic pathogens.
  • Evidence suggests a growing trend of cross-species transmission.
  • Several emerging paramyxoviruses are now known to infect humans, posing public health concerns.

Conclusions:

  • The Paramyxoviridae family presents a growing threat due to increased zoonotic potential.
  • Understanding reservoirs and transmission dynamics is crucial for managing emerging paramyxoviruses.
  • Continued research is vital to address the public health challenges posed by these viruses.

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