Abstract
We conducted a survey in Cambodia in 2000 on henipavirus infection among several bat species, including flying foxes, and persons exposed to these animals. Among 1,072 bat serum samples tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, antibodies reactive to Nipah virus (NiV) antigen were detected only in Pteropus lylei species; Cynopterus sphinx, Hipposideros larvatus, Scotophilus kuhlii, Chaerephon plicata, Taphozous melanopogon, and T. theobaldi species were negative. Seroneutralization applied on a subset of 156 serum samples confirmed these results. None of the 8 human serum samples was NiV seropositive with the seroneutralization test. One virus isolate exhibiting cytopathic effect with syncytia was obtained from 769 urine samples collected at roosts of P. lylei specimens. Partial molecular characterization of this isolate demonstrated that it was closely related to NiV. These results strengthen the hypothesis that flying foxes could be the natural host of NiV. Surveillance of human cases should be implemented.
Highlights
We conducted a survey in Cambodia, initiated in 2000, on henipavirus infection among several bat species, especially flying foxes, and persons exposed to these animals
Our serologic study confirms the presence in Cambodia of antibodies to a Nipah virus (NiV)-like virus among Lyle’s Flying Foxes (P. lylei), as reported by Olson et al in 2002 [16]
Data on bat infection at sites of outbreaks in Bangladesh are limited, antibodies against NiV have been detected in the Indian Flying Fox, P. giganteus, a species possibly conspecific with P. vampyrus [7]
Summary
We conducted a survey in Cambodia in 2000 on henipavirus infection among several bat species, including flying foxes, and persons exposed to these animals. Partial molecular characterization of this isolate demonstrated that it was closely related to NiV These results strengthen the hypothesis that flying foxes could be the natural host of NiV. It could be conjectured that henipavirus or similar viruses occur in flying foxes elsewhere and could emerge as a human pathogen. Three species belonging to the genus Pteropus (Pteropus lylei, P. hypomelanus, and P. vampyrus) have been identified in Cambodia [15], and antibodies to NiV-like virus have recently been detected in Lyle’s Flying Fox (P. lylei) [16]. We conducted a survey in Cambodia, initiated in 2000, on henipavirus infection among several bat species, especially flying foxes, and persons exposed to these animals. We confirm the presence of NiV antibodies and report NiV isolation and characterization from Lyle’s bats in Cambodia
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