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	Nipah virus is an enveloped, pleomorphic virus. Its genome is a single-stranded, negative-sense, non-segmented RNA molecule of approximately 18.2 kb.<ref name="ICTV">{{cite web \|title=Genus: Henipavirus \|url=https://ictv.global/report/chapter/paramyxoviridae/paramyxoviridae/henipavirus \|publisher=International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses \|access-date=2026-11-05}}</ref> The genome encodes six structural proteins in the order 3′-N-P-M-F-G-L-5′: the [[nucleocapsid]] (N) protein, [[phosphoprotein]] (P), [[matrix protein\|matrix]] (M) protein, [[fusion protein\|fusion]] (F) protein, attachment [[glycoprotein]] (G), and the large [[RNA polymerase\|polymerase]] (L) protein.<ref name="ICTV"/> The G protein mediates viral attachment to host cell receptors—[[ephrin-B2]] (EFNB2) and [[ephrin-B3]] (EFNB3)—while the F protein facilitates fusion between the viral envelope and the host cell membrane.<ref name="ICTV"/><ref name="Ephrin_review">{{cite journal \|title=Nipah virus in the era of global connectivity: molecular evolution, transmission risk, and preparedness strategies \|journal=Virus Genes \|url=https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11262-026-02273-4 \|doi=10.1007/s11262-026-02273-4 \|access-date=2026-11-05}}</ref> The widespread expression of ephrin-B2 on endothelial cells and neurons explains the systemic nature of henipavirus infections and the tropism of NiV for the brain and blood vessels.<ref name="ICTV"/>		Nipah virus is an enveloped, pleomorphic virus. Its genome is a single-stranded, negative-sense, non-segmented RNA molecule of approximately 18.2 kb.<ref name="ICTV">{{cite web \|title=Genus: Henipavirus \|url=https://ictv.global/report/chapter/paramyxoviridae/paramyxoviridae/henipavirus \|publisher=International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses \|access-date=2026-11-05}}</ref> The genome encodes six structural proteins in the order 3′-N-P-M-F-G-L-5′: the [[nucleocapsid]] (N) protein, [[phosphoprotein]] (P), [[matrix protein\|matrix]] (M) protein, [[fusion protein\|fusion]] (F) protein, attachment [[glycoprotein]] (G), and the large [[RNA polymerase\|polymerase]] (L) protein.<ref name="ICTV"/> The G protein mediates viral attachment to host cell receptors—[[ephrin-B2]] (EFNB2) and [[ephrin-B3]] (EFNB3)—while the F protein facilitates fusion between the viral envelope and the host cell membrane.<ref name="ICTV"/><ref name="Ephrin_review">{{cite journal \|title=Nipah virus in the era of global connectivity: molecular evolution, transmission risk, and preparedness strategies \|journal=Virus Genes \|url=https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11262-026-02273-4 \|doi=10.1007/s11262-026-02273-4 \|access-date=2026-11-05}}</ref> The widespread expression of ephrin-B2 on endothelial cells and neurons explains the systemic nature of henipavirus infections and the tropism of NiV for the brain and blood vessels.<ref name="ICTV"/>

	Phylogenetic analyses have identified two major clades: the NiV-MY clade, comprising isolates from Malaysia and Cambodia, and the NiV-BD clade, which includes isolates from Bangladesh and India.<ref name="ICTV"/>		Phylogenetic analyses have identified two major clades: the ''NiV-MY clade'', comprising isolates from Malaysia and Cambodia, and the ''NiV-BD clade'', which includes isolates from Bangladesh and India.<ref name="ICTV"/>

	== Transmission ==		== Transmission ==

Bharatwiki Socrates: Created page with "'''Nipah virus (NiV)''' is a highly virulent zoonotic RNA virus in the genus ''Henipavirus'', family ''Paramyxoviridae''. It is a BSL-4 pathogen that causes severe disease in both humans and animals, characterized by respiratory illness and fatal encephalitis.{{cite web |title=Nipah virus infection |url=https://www.who.int/india/health-topics/nipah-virus-infection |publisher=World Health Organization |access-date=2026..."

2026-11-05T06:40:57Z

Created page with "'''Nipah virus (NiV)''' is a highly virulent zoonotic RNA virus in the genus ''Henipavirus'', family ''Paramyxoviridae''. It is a BSL-4 pathogen that causes severe disease in both humans and animals, characterized by respiratory illness and fatal encephalitis.<ref name="WHO_India">{{cite web |title=Nipah virus infection |url=https://www.who.int/india/health-topics/nipah-virus-infection |publisher=World Health Organization |access-date=2026..."

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'''Nipah virus (NiV)''' is a highly virulent zoonotic RNA virus in the genus ''[[Henipavirus]]'', family ''[[Paramyxoviridae]]''. It is a [[Biosafety level|BSL-4]] pathogen that causes severe disease in both humans and animals, characterized by respiratory illness and fatal [[encephalitis]].<ref name="WHO_India">{{cite web |title=Nipah virus infection |url=https://www.who.int/india/health-topics/nipah-virus-infection |publisher=World Health Organization |access-date=2026-11-05}}</ref> The virus was first identified in 1998 during an outbreak among pig farmers in [[Malaysia]], and was named after Sungai Nipah, the village where the outbreak was first recognized.<ref name="WHO_India"/><ref name="NICD_FAQ">{{cite web |title=Nipah Virus Infection Frequently Asked Questions |url=https://www.nicd.ac.za/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/NiV_FAQs_Jan-2026_final.pdf |publisher=National Institute for Communicable Diseases (South Africa) |date=January 2026 |access-date=2026-11-05}}</ref> The [[World Health Organization]] (WHO) has identified Nipah as a priority disease for its Research and Development Blueprint due to its epidemic potential and case fatality rate of 40–75%.<ref name="WHO_India"/><ref name="NICD_FAQ"/><ref name="WHO_SEA">{{cite web |title=Nipah Virus Infection – India |url=https://www.who.int/southeastasia/outbreaks-and-emergencies/nipah-virus/2025-DON577 |publisher=World Health Organization South-East Asia |access-date=2026-11-05}}</ref>

==Virology==

Nipah virus is an enveloped, pleomorphic virus. Its genome is a single-stranded, negative-sense, non-segmented RNA molecule of approximately 18.2 kb.<ref name="ICTV">{{cite web |title=Genus: Henipavirus |url=https://ictv.global/report/chapter/paramyxoviridae/paramyxoviridae/henipavirus |publisher=International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses |access-date=2026-11-05}}</ref> The genome encodes six structural proteins in the order 3′-N-P-M-F-G-L-5′: the [[nucleocapsid]] (N) protein, [[phosphoprotein]] (P), [[matrix protein|matrix]] (M) protein, [[fusion protein|fusion]] (F) protein, attachment [[glycoprotein]] (G), and the large [[RNA polymerase|polymerase]] (L) protein.<ref name="ICTV"/> The G protein mediates viral attachment to host cell receptors—[[ephrin-B2]] (EFNB2) and [[ephrin-B3]] (EFNB3)—while the F protein facilitates fusion between the viral envelope and the host cell membrane.<ref name="ICTV"/><ref name="Ephrin_review">{{cite journal |title=Nipah virus in the era of global connectivity: molecular evolution, transmission risk, and preparedness strategies |journal=Virus Genes |url=https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11262-026-02273-4 |doi=10.1007/s11262-026-02273-4 |access-date=2026-11-05}}</ref> The widespread expression of ephrin-B2 on endothelial cells and neurons explains the systemic nature of henipavirus infections and the tropism of NiV for the brain and blood vessels.<ref name="ICTV"/>

Phylogenetic analyses have identified two major clades: the **NiV-MY clade**, comprising isolates from Malaysia and Cambodia, and the **NiV-BD clade**, which includes isolates from Bangladesh and India.<ref name="ICTV"/>

== Transmission ==

Fruit bats of the genus ''[[Pteropus]]'' (family ''Pteropodidae'') are the natural reservoir of Nipah virus. The virus is shed in bat saliva, urine, and feces, and infection does not appear to cause disease in the bats themselves.<ref name="WHO_India"/><ref name="CDC_Taiwan">{{cite web |title=Nipah Virus Infection |url=https://www.cdc.gov.tw/Category/ListContent/bg0g_VU_Ysrgkes_KRUDgQ?uaid=3DcNC6yYdcHgK8hi24H9xg |publisher=Centers for Disease Control, Taiwan |access-date=2026-11-05}}</ref><ref name="NICD_FAQ"/>

Transmission to humans occurs through several pathways. Consumption of raw [[date palm]] sap contaminated by bat saliva or urine is a major transmission route in [[Bangladesh]] and [[India]].<ref name="WHO_India"/><ref name="NICD_FAQ"/><ref name="WHO_SEA"/> In the Malaysian outbreak, pigs served as amplifying hosts, and human infection occurred through direct contact with infected pigs or their bodily fluids.<ref name="WHO_India"/><ref name="NICD_FAQ"/><ref name="CDC_Taiwan"/> Human-to-human transmission has also been reported following close contact with an infected person or their bodily fluids, including respiratory droplets, urine, or blood, particularly among caregivers and healthcare workers in Bangladesh and India.<ref name="WHO_India"/><ref name="NICD_FAQ"/><ref name="CDC_Taiwan"/>

== Clinical features ==

The incubation period for Nipah virus infection ranges from 3 to 14 days, with rare cases of up to 45 days reported.<ref name="WHO_India"/><ref name="CDC_Taiwan"/> Infection can be asymptomatic or present as acute respiratory illness, fatal encephalitis, or a combination of both.<ref name="WHO_India"/><ref name="NICD_FAQ"/>

Initial symptoms are often non-specific and include fever, headache, myalgia, vomiting, and sore throat.<ref name="CDC_Taiwan"/><ref name="NICD_FAQ"/> These may progress to dizziness, drowsiness, altered consciousness, and other neurological signs of acute encephalitis. Encephalitis and seizures occur in severe cases and can progress to coma within 24 to 48 hours.<ref name="CDC_Taiwan"/><ref name="NICD_FAQ"/> Some patients develop atypical pneumonia or acute respiratory distress syndrome.<ref name="CDC_Taiwan"/><ref name="Kerala_2023">{{cite journal |title=Clinico-epidemiological presentations and management of Nipah virus infection during the outbreak in Kozhikode district, Kerala state, India 2023 |journal=Journal of Medical Virology |volume=96 |issue=3 |pages=e29559 |date=March 2024 |doi=10.1002/jmv.29559 |url=https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38529536/ |access-date=2026-11-05}}</ref> Most people who survive make a full recovery, but long-term neurological conditions have been reported in approximately 1 in 5 survivors.<ref name="WHO_India"/> Relapsed and late-onset encephalitis are also recognized features of the disease.<ref name="NICD_FAQ"/><ref name="NETEC">{{cite web |title=Nipah Virus: What Clinicians Need to Know |url=https://netec.org/2025/07/22/nipah-virus-what-clinicians-need-to-know/ |publisher=NETEC |date=2025-07-22 |access-date=2026-11-05}}</ref>

The case fatality rate of Nipah virus infection is estimated at 40–75%, varying by outbreak depending on surveillance and clinical management.<ref name="WHO_India"/><ref name="NICD_FAQ"/><ref name="WHO_SEA"/>

== Diagnosis ==

Laboratory diagnosis of Nipah virus infection relies primarily on molecular detection by [[RT-PCR]] and serological assays such as [[ELISA]].<ref name="NETEC"/><ref name="Diagnosis_review">{{cite journal |title=Nipah virus transmission: a persistent threat to public health demanding rapid diagnosis, innovative therapeutics, vigilance, and research progress |journal=Annals of Medicine and Surgery |volume=86 |issue=5 |pages=2370–2372 |date=May 2024 |doi=10.1097/MS9.0000000000001747 |url=https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38694376/ |access-date=2026-11-05}}</ref> RT-PCR is considered the gold standard and can be performed on nasopharyngeal or oropharyngeal swabs, [[cerebrospinal fluid]], urine, and serum samples.<ref name="NETEC"/><ref name="Diagnosis_review"/> A combination of clinical history, serology, and appropriate sample type remains essential for accurate diagnosis, and high biocontainment is required for sample handling.<ref name="NETEC"/>

==Treatment==

There are currently no approved drugs or vaccines that specifically target Nipah virus infection.<ref name="WHO_India"/><ref name="NICD_FAQ"/><ref name="NETEC"/> Primary treatment is symptomatic and supportive care, with early intensive supportive care recommended to manage severe respiratory and neurological complications and improve survival.<ref name="WHO_India"/><ref name="CDC_Taiwan"/><ref name="NICD_FAQ"/>

Several therapeutic candidates have shown potential in limited or preclinical studies, including [[ribavirin]], [[remdesivir]], and [[favipiravir]].<ref name="NETEC"/><ref name="Therapeutics_review">{{cite journal |title=Advancing the frontiers: Revolutionary control and prevention paradigms against Nipah virus |journal=Open Veterinary Journal |volume=13 |issue=9 |pages=1056–1070 |date=2023-09-30 |doi=10.5455/OVJ.2023.v13.i9.1 |url=https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10576574/ |access-date=2026-11-05}}</ref> A monoclonal antibody (m102.4) is available under compassionate use in Australia.<ref name="NETEC"/> Multiple vaccine platforms are in preclinical and early-phase development, including mRNA, vector-based, and subunit vaccines, but none are yet licensed.<ref name="NETEC"/>

==Epidemiology==

Since its discovery, Nipah virus outbreaks have been reported in Malaysia, Singapore, Bangladesh, India, and the Philippines.<ref name="WHO_SEA"/><ref name="NICD_FAQ"/> The initial outbreak in Malaysia (1998–1999) involved pig-amplified transmission; subsequent outbreaks in Bangladesh and India have been characterized by bat-driven spillover and limited human-to-human transmission, particularly in household and hospital settings.<ref name="WHO_SEA"/><ref name="NICD_FAQ"/><ref name="CDC_Taiwan"/>

In Bangladesh, seasonal outbreaks occur annually during the winter months, often linked to consumption of raw date palm sap.<ref name="NICD_FAQ"/> In India, outbreaks have been more sporadic, occurring in West Bengal in 2001 and 2007, and repeatedly in Kerala since 2018.<ref name="WHO_SEA"/><ref name="NICD_FAQ"/> As of 2026, Kerala has reported multiple outbreaks, including a 2023 outbreak in Kozhikode district with six cases and two deaths (case fatality ratio 33.33%).<ref name="Kerala_2023"/><ref name="WHO_SEA"/> The Philippines experienced an outbreak of equine-to-human transmission in 2014.<ref name="CDC_Taiwan"/><ref name="NICD_FAQ"/>

==Prevention==

No licensed vaccine is currently available for Nipah virus.<ref name="WHO_India"/><ref name="NETEC"/> Prevention relies on reducing exposure to the virus. Recommended measures include avoiding contact with bats and pigs, particularly sick or dead animals; refraining from entering bat roosts or touching environments potentially contaminated by bat excrement; avoiding consumption of raw date palm sap or fallen fruits; and thoroughly washing and peeling fruits before consumption.<ref name="CDC_Taiwan"/><ref name="NICD_FAQ"/> In healthcare settings, standard, contact, and airborne precautions are critical, as transmission has occurred in healthcare settings.<ref name="NETEC"/>

== History==

The first recognized outbreak of Nipah virus occurred in 1998–1999 among pig farmers in Malaysia and Singapore. Epidemiological investigations revealed that fruit bats of the genus ''Pteropus'' transmitted the virus to pigs, which subsequently infected farmers and slaughterhouse workers in close contact with infected pigs.<ref name="NICD_FAQ"/><ref name="CDC_Taiwan"/> No further outbreaks have been recorded in Malaysia or Singapore since that time.<ref name="NICD_FAQ"/> Since 2001, outbreaks have occurred in Bangladesh, India, and the Philippines, with evidence of the virus in ''Pteropus'' bats widely reported across South and Southeast Asia.<ref name="NICD_FAQ"/><ref name="WHO_SEA"/>

==See also==

* [[Hendra virus]]
* [[Henipavirus]]
* [[Zoonosis]]
* [[Emerging infectious disease]]

== References ==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Henipaviruses]]
[[Category:Zoonoses]]
[[Category:Tropical diseases]]
[[Category:Neglected diseases]]

Nipah virus - Revision history

Bharatwiki Socrates at 06:42, 5 November 2026