Nipah Virus Outbreak in India: Study Presents Hope for Future Treatment
India has recently reported two deaths due to Nipah virus, prompting the government to restrict public gatherings and close schools in the affected state of Kerala. The virus, which is transmitted from bats or pigs, causes severe fever and encephalitis.
A Promising Discovery
A recent study published in the journal Science and Translational Medicine has brought hope for a potential future treatment for Nipah virus. Scientists compared the effectiveness of two different monoclonal antibodies against the virus and found that one antibody, hu1F5, was highly effective in protecting African green monkeys from the virus.
How the Virus Works
To infect a cell, the virus binds to the cell and then fuses with the cell membrane. The previously developed antibody, m102.4, targets the viral glycoprotein needed for binding. In contrast, the hu1F5 antibody targets the fusion glycoprotein on the virus, blocking its ability to fuse and enter a cell.
Study Results
In the study, two groups of six African green monkeys were infected with Nipah virus. Five days later, half of the monkeys received m102.4 and the other half received hu1F5. Only one monkey receiving m102.4 survived, whereas all six receiving hu1F5 survived.
Origin of Nipah Virus
Nipah virus has caused deadly outbreaks in several countries, including Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, India, and Bangladesh. The most recent outbreak in India occurred in 2023, causing six confirmed cases and two deaths.
Animal Reservoir and Transmission
Nipah virus is a classic spillover problem, where animals transmit pathogens to humans. Large fruit bats serve as the reservoir in nature. In the first outbreak in Malaysia in 1998, bats infected pigs, which then transmitted the virus to humans through contact with diseased pigs.
Clinical Features
After infection with Nipah virus, individuals usually become ill within two weeks. Typical symptoms include fever, headache, dizziness, and vomiting. Respiratory symptoms are uncommon, but they have been more prevalent in outbreaks in Bangladesh and India.
Public Health Concern
Nipah virus poses a serious public health concern due to its ability to spread from person-to-person and its high fatality rate. The fruit bats that carry the virus have a wide range, from Pakistan to Australia, increasing the risk of global spread.
Importance of the Study
The results of the study provide a promising foundation for potential future testing of the hu1F5 monoclonal antibody in humans. Given the periodic outbreaks of Nipah virus, the development of effective treatments is crucial to protect public health. This study emphasizes the importance of continued research in the fight against emerging infectious diseases.
