Laboratory #Diagnosis of #Hendra and #Nipah: Two Emerging Zoonotic Diseases with One Health Significance

Abstract

Hendra virus (HeV) and Nipah virus (NiV) are two highly pathogenic RNA viruses with zoonotic potential, which can cause severe diseases with high mortality rates (50–100%) in humans and animals. Given this context, these viruses are classified as Biosafety Level 4 (BSL-4) pathogens, thus limiting research studies. Despite the high case fatalities, there are currently no human vaccines available for either virus, owing in part to the limitations in research and hesitancy in funding. In the absence of widespread vaccination, diagnostic tests are crucial for the rapid identification of cases and disease surveillance. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the epidemiology, transmission dynamics, and pathogenesis of NiV and HeV to contextualize a detailed assessment of the available diagnostic tools. We examined molecular and serological assays, including RT-PCR, ELISA, and LAMP, highlighting sample sources, detection windows, and performance. Diagnostic considerations across human and animal hosts are discussed, with emphasis on outbreak applicability and field-readiness, given the need for diagnostic assays that are suitable for use in low-income areas. Further development of diagnostic assays, including isothermal amplification tests and other next-generation approaches, is recommended to fill the gap in rapid, point-of-care diagnostics.

Source: Viruses, https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4915/17/7/1003

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#Thermal #tolerance and #inactivation of #Ebola virus

{Summary}

HIGHLIGHTS

• The investigation demonstrated a high level of tolerance of EBOV to thermal disinfection.

• A water-bath is recommended and the tubes should be fully submerged during the process.

• The established inactivation guidelines should be followed very strictly.

Dear Editor,

Viruses of the genus Orthoebolavirus cause sporadic outbreaks of severe haemorrhagic fever, with case fatality rates ranging from 25% to 90% (Mahanty and Bray, 2004). Six species of the virus (Orthoebolavirus zairense, sudanense, bundibugyoense, taiense, restonense, and bombaliense) have so far been identified (Biedenkopf et al., 2023). Among these, Orthoebolavirus zairense, commonly known as Ebola virus (EBOV), stands out as the most virulent. Given its high contagiousness and lethality, EBOV must be manipulated under biosafety level 4 (BSL-4) conditions, as stipulated by the National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China's list of human pathogenic microorganisms. Prior to being removed from a BSL-4 laboratory, it is imperative that infectious EBOV undergoes complete inactivation. Here we systematically evaluate viral thermostability under BSL-4 containment conditions, demonstrating EBOV’s marked thermotolerance.

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Source: Virologica Sinica, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1995820X25000975

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