Emerging tropical diseases in Australia. Part 5. Hendra virus.

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Virology
• Zoonotic Diseases
• Public Health

Background:

• Hendra virus (HeV) first emerged in Australia in 1994, causing significant mortality in horses and humans.
• Initial characterization placed HeV within the Morbillivirus genus, later reclassified to the novel Henipavirus genus due to its unique genetic and genomic properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and summarize available data on Hendra virus outbreaks in Australia.
• To discuss the current understanding of HeV biology, transmission routes, and detection methods.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of reported HeV outbreaks since 1994.
• Analysis of existing data on virus characteristics, host interactions, and clinical manifestations.

Main Results:

• HeV outbreaks are characterized by acute respiratory and neurological signs, leading to high morbidity and mortality in equids and humans.
• Fruit bats are identified as natural HeV reservoirs, but direct transmission pathways remain largely unelucidated.
• Human infections primarily occur through contact with infected horses via bodily fluids.

Conclusions:

• Current treatment strategies for HeV infection are limited, and no vaccine is available.
• Further research is crucial to understand HeV transmission dynamics and develop effective control measures.
• The zoonotic potential of HeV necessitates ongoing surveillance and public health preparedness.