ETIDIOH - NEW

  Highlights •  A Nipah virus real-time RT-PCR was developed for this study and display dynamic amplification, with sensitive (limit of detection 3.7-4.2 copies/µL) and specific detection. •  The assay was adapted for use on a portable, battery-powered real-time thermocycler . •  When paired with instrument-free RNA extraction , Nipah virus RNA was rapidly detected from contrived whole blood and nasopharyngeal swabs without electricity. •  The combined of Extract & Store and the Palm PCR S1e device offers a viable solution for field-based molecular detection of Nipah virus. Abstract Background Nipah virus (NiV) is a highly pathogenic, zoonotic paramyxovirus with significant public health implications due to high associated mortality and potential for human-to-human transmission. Current diagnostic testing options for NiV are limited and require extensive laboratory infrastructure. Objective Develop a field-deployable testing workflow for timely NiV detection...

  Abstract Nipah virus is a highly pathogenic virus in the family Paramyxoviridae that utilizes two distinct surface glycoproteins to infect cells . The receptor-binding protein (RBP) binds host receptors whereas the fusion protein (F) merges viral and host membranes . Here, we use nonreplicative pseudoviruses to safely measure the effects of all F single amino acid residue mutations on its cell entry function and neutralization by monoclonal antibodies . We compare mutational tolerance in F with previous experimental measurements for RBP and show that F is much more functionally constrained than the RBP . We also identify mutationally intolerant sites on the F trimer surface and core that are critical for proper function, and describe mutations that are candidates for stabilizing F in the prefusion conformation for vaccine design . We quantify how F mutations affect neutralization by six monoclonal antibodies, and show that the magnitude of mutational effects on neutralization var...

ABSTRACT The Henipavirus genus comprises five viral species, of which the prototype members, Hendra virus (HeV) and Nipah virus (NiV), are reported to infect humans. In humans and other spill-over hosts , HeV/NiV can cause severe respiratory and/or encephalitic disease , with mortality rates exceeding 50%; currently, there are no approved human vaccines and only limited therapeutic options . As members of the family Paramyxoviridae , henipaviruses have six “core” structural proteins and typically three additional accessory proteins that are expressed from the P gene. Several of these proteins are multifunctional, with roles in forming intracellular interfaces with the host (in particular, M, P, V, W, and C proteins), to modulate processes including antiviral responses, supporting viral replication. Understanding the molecular basis of these interfaces and their functions is critical to delineate the mechanisms of pathogenesis and may inform new strategies to combat infection and diseas...

{Excerpt} To the Editor : The article “Henipavirus in northern short-tailed shrew, Alabama, USA,” (1), describing the discovery of Camp Hill virus (family Paramyxoviridae ) in the northern short-tailed shrew (Blarina brevicauda), sparked major media attention and raised concerns about zoonotic transmission and potential pandemic risk. However, it would be advisable to reevaluate this virus discovery within the broader context of related viruses. The increase in identified henipa-like viruses in various shrew species (2–4) led the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses to classify these henipa-like viruses into a distinct genus, Parahenipavirus (5), acknowledging their genetic difference from the highly pathogenic Hendra and Nipah virus. (...) Source: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,  https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/31/8/25-0401_article ____

Abstract We report 1.3% (19/1,511) of Egyptian rousette bats (ERBs) in Uganda and Sierra Leone were co-infected with different combinations of Marburg, Sosuga, Kasokero, or Yogue viruses . To prevent infection by those viruses, we recommend avoiding ERB-populated areas, avoiding ERBs and ERB-contaminated objects, and thoroughly washing harvested fruits before consumption. Source: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,  https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/31/5/24-1669_article ____