Why in the news?

  • The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has invited Expressions of Interest (EoI) from eligible organisations, companies, and manufacturers for the development and production of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against Nipah viral disease.

Nipah Virus

  • Virus type: Zoonotic paramyxovirus of the genus Henipavirus under the family Paramyxoviridae.
  • Reservoir host: Fruit bats (Pteropus species, also called flying foxes).
  • First Reported: 1998-99 in Malaysia among pig farmers.
  • Transmission
    • Animal-to-human: From infected bats or pigs through secretions or contaminated fruit (sap, partially eaten fruits).
    • Human-to-human: Through close contact with body fluids of infected persons, especially in hospital settings (nosocomial transmission).
    • Environment-to-human: Contaminated surfaces or food items (e.g., raw date palm sap).
  • Symptoms
    • Incubation period: 4–14 days.
    • Initial stage: Fever, headache, muscle pain, sore throat, vomiting.
    • Severe stage: Encephalitis (inflammation of brain), confusion, seizures, coma.
    • Case fatality rate: 40%–75% (varies by outbreak and health response).
  • Diagnosis Tests:
    • Real-Time PCR (RT-PCR) from throat/nasal swabs, urine, or cerebrospinal fluid.
    • ELISA for antibodies (IgM, IgG).
  • Treatment
    • No specific antiviral drug or vaccine yet (for humans or animals).
    • Treatment: Supportive care—managing fever, encephalitis, and respiratory distress.     

 

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