Pathogenesis of Hendra Virus in Humans

Hendra virus (HeV), previously known as equine morbillivirus, emerged as a lethal zoonotic virus almost 20 years ago. Although all human es of HeV infection have stemmed from close exposure to Hendra-infected horses, horses are not the reservoir of the virus, instead, they are simply incidental hosts, as are humans. HeV infection in pteropid bats appears to be sub-clinical, as observed in nature and in experimentally infected bats. The initial symptoms and clinical features of human HeV infection are non-specific. Due to this, even if HeV infection is suspected, a diagnosis of HeV infection can only be made by laboratory diagnostic methods. The various laboratory methods described include PCR-based assays, serology, immunohistochemistry (IHC), virus isolation, electron microscopy, and some new experimental methods The development of safe and efficacious vaccines and therapeutics against HeV are two prevention strategies employed to control outbreaks.