ABSTRACT
Nipah virus is a zoonotic paramyxovirus that has caused outbreaks of human disease with high fatality rates. Important differences in epidemiological features of human disease are associated with Nipah viruses isolated from Malaysia and Bangladesh, with person-to-person transmission a major pathway for infection in Bangladesh. Comparisons of Nipah virus isolates in vitro have demonstrated differences in regulation of innate immunity and replicative ability. In contrast, similarities in infection outcomes and tissue tropism in the ferret model indicate that differences between viral isolates may not be the pivotal determinants of Nipah virus transmission. Consideration and understanding of the social and cultural context within which Nipah virus outbreaks occur may be critical in the development of practical, achievable disease management strategies.
Financial & competing interests disclosure
The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending or royalties.
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