Abstract

The study deals with the survey of different bat populations (Pteropus giganteus, Cynopterus sphinx, and Megaderma lyra) in India for highly pathogenic Nipah virus (NiV), Reston Ebola virus, and Marburg virus. Bats (n = 140) from two states in India (Maharashtra and West Bengal) were tested for IgG (serum samples) against these viruses and for virus RNAs. Only NiV RNA was detected in a liver homogenate of P. giganteus captured in Myanaguri, West Bengal. Partial sequence analysis of nucleocapsid, glycoprotein, fusion, and phosphoprotein genes showed similarity with the NiV sequences from earlier outbreaks in India. A serum sample of this bat was also positive by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for NiV-specific IgG. This is the first report on confirmation of Nipah viral RNA in Pteropus bat from India and suggests the possible role of this species in transmission of NiV in India.

Links

Publisher Full Text

Authors

Yadav PD, Raut CG, Shete AM, Mishra AC, Towner JS, Nichol ST, Mourya DT

Institution

Microbial Containment Complex, National Institute of Virology, Pune, India.

Source

The American journal of tropical medicine and hygiene 87:3 2012 Sep pg 576-8

MeSH

Animals
Chiroptera
Disease Outbreaks
Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
Henipavirus Infections
India
Nipah Virus
Phylogeny
RNA, Viral
Sequence Analysis, RNA

Pub Type(s)

Journal Article

Language

eng

PubMed ID

22802440