Bangladesh Virus Research Articles

Genomic epidemiology of early SARS-CoV-2 transmission dynamics in Bangladesh.

Genomic epidemiology has helped reconstruct the global and regional movement of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). However, there is still a lack of understanding of SARS-CoV-2 spread in some of the world's least developed countries (LDCs). To begin to address this disparity, we studied the transmission dynamics of the virus in Bangladesh during the country's first COVID-19 wave by analysing case reports and whole-genome sequences from all eight divisions of the country. We detected > 50 virus introductions to the country during the period, including during a period of national lockdown. Additionally, through discrete phylogeographic analyses, we identified that geographical distance and population -density and/or -size influenced virus spatial dispersal in Bangladesh. Overall, this study expands our knowledge of SARS-CoV-2 genomic epidemiology in Bangladesh, shedding light on crucial transmission characteristics within the country, while also acknowledging resemblances and differences to patterns observed in other nations.

A Strategic Framework of SARS-CoV-2 Genomic Surveillance in Bangladesh.

The global pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 has underlined the significance of strict genomic surveillance to track virus evolution and the possible emergence of new variants, particularly in densely populated countries like Bangladesh. This study outlines a strategic framework of genomic surveillance to track the evolution of the virus in Bangladesh between June 2021 and December 2022 through the National SARS-CoV-2 Variant Surveillance (NSVS) program involving collaboration across 4 major institutes and 13 hospitals nationwide. We aimed to capture the variants of SARS-CoV-2 throughout the country utilizing standardized procedures, modern sequencing technology, and stringent quality control, promoting data accuracy and the timely detection of new variants of concern. We sequenced over 2200 genomes, documenting the prevalence of the Delta variant initially, followed by the emergence of Omicron variants BA.1, BA.2, BA.5, and XBB, each affecting transmission rates and vaccine efficacy differently. The clinical manifestations of the variants differed, with some symptoms occurring more frequently in Delta cases and vice versa. Vaccinated individuals were more affected by Omicron cases compared to Delta cases. These variants were responsible for two major COVID-19 waves in the country, each with significant clinical effects. Phylogenetic analyses placed the local SARS-CoV-2 variants within a global context, indicating the Delta variant likely entered from India and Omicron from Europe. This research highlights the significance of collaborative surveillance strategies for guiding public health choices and the critical role of genomic analysis in monitoring virus evolution, shaping targeted pandemic responses. Bangladesh's contributions significantly enhance global insight into COVID-19's genomic evolution.

Eat, Drink, and Be Merry: coping with zoonotic spillovers and climate injustice

ABSTRACT This art installation centers on then-recent outbreaks of rabies and Nipah viruses in India and Bangladesh, and reveals unexpected connections between vultures, fruit bats, and humans. Using Victorian and Dutch decorative arts from time periods in which England and the Netherlands were connected to these contemporary outbreak sites through colonization, the installation highlights the way climate injustice influences which humans and animals bear the most risk in disease spillovers. Using work by cultural anthropologist Ernest Becker, the installation also considers how culture (particularly art) functions as a psychological mechanism for coping with death anxiety.

Phylodynamics of high pathogenicity avian influenza virus in Bangladesh identifying domestic ducks as the amplifying host reservoir

ABSTRACT High pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) virus H5N1 first emerged in Bangladesh in 2007. Despite the use of vaccines in chickens since 2012 to control HPAI, HPAI H5Nx viruses have continued to infect poultry, and wild birds, resulting in notable mass mortalities in house crows (Corvus splendens). The first HPAI H5Nx viruses in Bangladesh belonged to clade 2.2.2, followed by clade 2.3.4.2 and 2.3.2.1 viruses in 2011. After the implementation of chicken vaccination in 2012, these viruses were mostly replaced by clade 2.3.2.1a viruses and more recently clade 2.3.4.4b and h viruses. In this study, we reconstruct the phylogenetic history of HPAI H5Nx viruses in Bangladesh to evaluate the role of major host species in the maintenance and evolution of HPAI H5Nx virus in Bangladesh and reveal the role of heavily impacted crows in virus epidemiology. Epizootic waves caused by HPAI H5N1 and H5N6 viruses amongst house crows occurred annually in winter. Bayesian phylodynamic analysis of clade 2.3.2.1a revealed frequent bidirectional viral transitions between domestic ducks, chickens, and house crows that was markedly skewed towards ducks; domestic ducks might be the source, or reservoir, of HPAI H5Nx in Bangladesh, as the number of viral transitions from ducks to chickens and house crows was by far more numerous than the other transitions. Our results suggest viral circulation in domestic birds despite vaccination, with crow epizootics acting as a sentinel. The vaccination strategy needs to be updated to use more effective vaccinations, assess vaccine efficacy, and extension of vaccination to domestic ducks, the key reservoir.

Rabies control in Bangladesh and prediction of human rabies cases by 2030: a One Health approach

Bangladesh is making progress toward achieving zero dog-mediated rabies deaths by 2030, a global goal set in2015. Drawing from multiple datasets, including patient immunisation record books and mass dog vaccination (MDV) databases, we conducted a comprehensive analysis between 2011 and 2023 to understand the effectiveness of rabies control programmes and predict human rabies cases in Bangladesh by 2030 using time-series forecasting models. We also compared rabies virus sequences from GenBank in Bangladesh and other South Asian countries. The estimated dog population in Bangladesh was determined to be 1,668,140, with an average dog population density of 12.83 dogs/km2 (95% CI 11.14-14.53) and a human-to-dog ratio of 86.70 (95% CI 76.60-96.80). The MDV campaign has led to the vaccination of an average of 21,295 dogs (95% CI 18,654-23,935) per district annually out of an estimated 26,065 dogs (95% CI 22,898-29,230). A declining trend in predicted and observed human rabies cases has been identified, suggesting that Bangladesh is poised to make substantial progress towards achieving the 'Zero by 30' goal, provided the current trajectory continues. The phylogenetic analysis shows that rabies viruses in Bangladesh belong to the Arctic-like-1 group, which differs from those in Bhutan despite sharing a common ancestor. Bangladesh's One Health approach demonstrated that an increase in MDV and anti-rabies vaccine (ARV) resulted in a decline in the relative risk of human rabies cases, indicating that eliminating dog-mediated human rabies could be achievable. The study was supported by the Communicable Disease Control (CDC) Division of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) of the People's Republic of Bangladesh.

Results of a Nationally Representative Seroprevalence Survey of Chikungunya Virus in Bangladesh.

There is an increasing global burden from chikungunya virus (CHIKV). Bangladesh reported a major epidemic in 2017, but it was unclear whether there had been prior widespread transmission. We conducted a nationally representative seroprevalence survey in 70 randomly selected communities immediately before the epidemic. We found that 69 of 2938 sampled individuals (2.4%) were seropositive to CHIKV. Seropositivity to dengue virus (adjusted odds ratio, 3.13 [95% confidence interval, 1.86-5.27]), male sex (0.59 [.36-.99]), and community presence of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes (1.80 [1.05-3.0]7) were significantly associated with CHIKV seropositivity. Using a spatial prediction model, we estimated that across the country, 4.99 (95% confidence interval, 4.89-5.08) million people had been previously infected. These findings highlight high population susceptibility before the major outbreak and that previous outbreaks must have been spatially isolated.

Development of recombinant proteins for vaccine candidates against serotypes O and A of Foot-and-Mouth Disease virus in Bangladesh.

Frequent vaccine failure leading to recurrent outbreaks of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) in livestock populations necessitates the development of a customizable vaccine platform comprising potential antigenic determinants of circulating lineages of FMD viruses. Artificially designed, chimaeric protein-based recombinant vaccines are novel approaches to combat the phylogenetically diverse FMD Virus (FMDV) strains. Among seven recognized serotypes, only serotypes O and A are dominantly circulating in Bangladesh and neighbouring countries of Asia, where transboundary transmission, recurrent outbreaks and emergence of novel lineages of FMDV are highly prevalent. The objective of this study was to develop multi-epitope recombinant proteins, procuring immunogenicity against circulating diverse genotypes of FMDV serotypes O and A. Two chimaeric proteins, named B1 (41.0 kDa) and B3 (39.3 kDa), have been designed to incorporate potential B-cell and T-cell epitopes selected from multiple FMDV strains, including previously reported and newly emerged sub-lineages. After expression, characterization and immunization of guinea pigs with a considerable antigen load of B1 and B3 followed by serological assays revealed the significant protective immunogenicity, developed from the higher (100 µg) doses of both antigens, against most of the currently prevalent serotype O and A strains of FMDV. The efficient expression, antigenic stability, and multivalent immunogenic potency of the chimaeric proteins strongly indicate their credibility as novel vaccine candidates for existing serotypes O and A of FMDV in Bangladesh and surrounding territories.

Molecular identification of fruit bats, natural host of Nipah virus in Bangladesh, based on DNA barcode

Molecular identification of fruit bats, natural host of Nipah virus in Bangladesh, based on DNA barcode

Snapshot study of canine distemper virus in Bangladesh with on-site PCR detection and nanopore sequencing

Canine distemper virus (CDV) is a highly contagious virus that affects domestic and wild animals, causing severe illness with high mortality rates. Rapid monitoring and sequencing can provide valuable information about circulating CDV strains, which may foster effective vaccination strategies and the successful integration of these into conservation programs. During two site visits in Bangladesh in 2023, we tested a mobile, deployable genomic surveillance setup to explore the genetic diversity and phylogenetic patterns of locally circulating CDV strains. We collected and analysed 355 oral swab samples from stray dogs in Rajshahi and Chattogram cities, Bangladesh. CDV-specific real-time RT-PCR was performed to screen the samples. Out of the 355 samples, 7.4% (10/135) from Rajshahi city and 0.9% (2/220) from Chattogram city tested positive for CDV. We applied a real-time RT-PCR assay and a pan-genotype CDV-specific amplicon-based Nanopore sequencing technology to obtain the near-completes. Five near-complete genome sequences were generated, with phylogenetic relation to the India-1/Asia-5 lineage previously identified in India. This is the first study to provide genomic data on CDV in Bangladesh and the first demonstration of a mobile laboratory setup as a powerful tool in rapid genomic surveillance and risk assessment for CDV in low resource regions.

Baseline Characteristics And Outcome Of Covid-19 Patients In Bangladesh

Background: Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) is the disease caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The disease was declared as a pandemic by WHO in a press release on 11 February 2020. The virus was confirmed to have spread to Bangladesh in March 2020. To combat this pandemic disease, baseline characteristics of the COVID-19 patients are essential to be identified in the context of Bangladesh.
 Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted among 1016 COVID-19 patients diagnosed by Reversed Transcriptase-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) assay at the National Institute of Preventive and Social Medicine (NIPSOM) laboratory. The study was conducted during the period from March to June 2020, Data were collected form the participants, who were selected conveniently and were interviewed by using a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire over telephone.
 Results: The study revealed that among 1016 respondents, 64.1% were male and the rest 35.9% were female. Almost half of the respondents (46.5%) were aged 19-39 years. Among the respondents, 72.6% were married and 39.6% were graduated and above. More than two-thirds (69.3%) of the respondents lived in urban area and 72.7% were from nuclear family. On the fourteenth (14th) day or onwards of being positive, RT–PCR Test-1 found 12.5% positive and on twenty-eighth (28th) day or onwards RT–PCR Test-2 found positive only 3.3%. On the other hand, RT–PCR Test-1 was not done by 11.6% and RT–PCR Test-2 by 41.8%. While on the fourteenth (14th) day or onwards of being positive, 62.1% patients were continuing treatment and on the twenty-eighth (28th) day or onwards only 3.5% patients were continuing treatment due to covid related complications.
 Conclusion: Baseline characteristics, severity and outcomes of sequentially tested patients with confirmed COVID-19 positive cases in Bangladesh. Such information should be disseminated across the country to raise awareness and initiate necessary measures by the policy makers to prevent spread of corona virus in Bangladesh.
 JOPSOM 2021; 41(2):36-42

Investigations of transmission dynamics of Nipah virus in Bangladesh

This study has focused on the transmission dynamics of the Nipah Virus (NiV) and its controlling system. In this respect, we have developed a virus transmission model based on several compartments and discussed the model's basic reproduction number and stability analysis at disease-free equilibrium (DFE) and endemic equilibrium (EE) points. It is observed that the model is locally and globally asymptotically stable at DFE and EE for the basic reproduction number R0<1 and R0>1, respectively. We have also solved the model equations numerically using the Runge-Kutta (RK-45) method to investigate the effect of disease parameters. In the calculation, some parameter values are taken from several references. Lastly, the calculated results show that the infection rate of the exposed individuals highly influences the disease compartments. Furthermore, drug resistance is observed to be less effective than the treatment rate. In addition, it is found that the number of infected people is reducing with the increasing treatment rate.

Epidemiology and molecular characterization of Feline panleukopenia virus from suspected domestic cats in selected Bangladesh regions.

Feline panleukopenia (FPL) is a highly contagious cat disease and is endemic in Bangladesh. The study aims to describe the epidemiology and molecular characterization of the Feline panleukopenia virus from the suspected domestic cats in selected Bangladesh regions. Randomly, 161 rectal swabs were collected from the pet hospitals between July 2021 and December 2022. A structured questionnaire was administered through face-to-face interviews with cat owners in order to collect data on potential risk factors for FPL, such as age, sex, sharing litter boxes and every day utensils in multicat households, vaccination history, hospital visits for other diseases, and season. The rectal swabs were tested by PCR targeting the VP2 capsid protein gene, and six PCR-positive samples were further sequenced for molecular characterizations. The risk factors for FPLV were identified using multivariable logistic regression analysis. The overall prevalence of FPL among suspects was 22.9%. The mortality and case fatality were 10.6%, and 45.9%, respectively. However, mortality in kittens was significantly higher (16.4%) than younger cats. The odds of FPL were 8.83 times (95% CI: 3.14-24.85) higher among unvaccinated cats than vaccinated cats. The winter season had almost six times (95% CI: 1.38-24.40) higher odds of FPL than rainy season. In a multicat house, the odds of FPL was about five times (95% CI: 1.93-13.45) higher for cats that shared a litter box and food utensils compared to those that did not engage in such sharing. Visiting hospitals for other reasons nearly triples the odds of FPL (OR: 2.80, 95% CI: 1.04-7.54) compared to cats that do not visit hospitals. Analysis of partial sequence of the VP2 gene revealed genetic variations among the isolates from different regions. Among these isolates, four were identical to FPLV isolates from South Korea and China, while one showed complete homology with FPLV isolates from Thailand. In contrast, the remaining one was 100% identical to Carnivore protoparvovirus-1 isolated from a feline sample in Italy. Our isolates were classified into three distinct clades alongside Feline panleukopenia virus and Carnivore protoparvovirus-1. One in every three suspected cats was infected with Feline panleukopenia. Regular vaccination of the cats, especially those that share common litter box and food utensils and visit hospitals for other purposes, will help reduce the prevalence of FPL in Bangladesh. Besides, it is worth emphasizing the existence of genetic diversity among the circulating Feline panleukopenia viruses in Bangladesh.

ACADEMIC EXPERIENCES, CHALLENGES AND COPING STRATEGIES IN COVID-19 SITUATION: A CASE STUDY ON A RURAL SECONDARY SCHOOL IN BANGLADESH

The first case of the COVID-19 virus in Bangladesh was confirmed on March 8, 2020 and due to this pandemic the government announced closure of all educational institutions on March 17, 2020. This study aimed to investigate the academic experiences, challenges, and coping strategies of a secondary school situated in a rural region of Bangladesh. For this study, a case study within a qualitative framework was conducted. Interviews of all the teachers and interviews as well as focus group discussion (FGD) of twenty-four students who were selected by convenience sampling were undertaken. This study finds that the entire academic experience was extremely hard and new for both teachers and students. They experienced a sense of alienation during the school closure. In September 2020, online classes started but both teachers and students encountered a variety of obstacles, such as lack of proper devices and required skill-sets, excessive cost of mobile data, poor network. The institution also tried assignment method which was challenging as it was a completely new task. The school resumed partially on September 12, 2021, with a reduced number of active school days. All the participants felt that partial resuming did not enable effective learning. This study also finds that both teachers and learners have tried several coping strategies. Teachers have assisted one another and contacted with the students through phone calls and in-person visits. Students also sought help from their family-members and peers. This study has implications for policymakers, teachers and learners. Policymakers can mitigate future extreme circumstances by fixing network faults, offering financial aid to teachers and students, and organizing skill-building programs. Teachers and learners from schools with similar context can consider coping strategies like asking for assistance from peers and family members, being innovative for getting connected with each other for continuing academic activities during tough time.

Emergence of a new genotype of clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza A viruses in Bangladesh

ABSTRACT Influenza virological surveillance was conducted in Bangladesh from January to December 2021 in live poultry markets (LPMs) and in Tanguar Haor, a wetland region where domestic ducks have frequent contact with migratory birds. The predominant viruses circulating in LPMs were low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) H9N2 and clade 2.3.2.1a highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 viruses. Additional LPAIs were found in both LPM (H4N6) and Tanguar Haor wetlands (H7N7). Genetic analyses of these LPAIs strongly suggested long-distance movement of viruses along the Central Asian migratory bird flyway. We also detected a novel clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 virus from ducks in free-range farms in Tanguar Haor that was similar to viruses first detected in October 2020 in The Netherlands but with a different PB2. Identification of clade 2.3.4.4b HPAI H5N1 viruses in Tanguar Haor provides continued support of the role of migratory birds in transboundary movement of influenza A viruses (IAV), including HPAI viruses. Domestic ducks in free range farm in wetland areas, like Tangua Haor, serve as a conduit for the introduction of LPAI and HPAI viruses into Bangladesh. Clade 2.3.4.4b viruses have dominated in many regions of the world since mid-2021, and it remains to be seen if these viruses will replace the endemic clade 2.3.2.1a H5N1 viruses in Bangladesh.

H9N2 avian influenza virus dispersal along Bangladeshi poultry trading networks.

Avian influenza virus subtype H9N2 is endemic in Bangladesh's poultry population. The subtype affects poultry production and poses a potential zoonotic risk. Insufficient understanding of how the poultry trading network shapes the dissemination of avian influenza viruses has hindered the design of targeted interventions to reduce their spread. Here, we use phylodynamic analyses of haemagglutinin sequences to investigate the spatial spread and dispersal patterns of H9N2 viruses in Bangladesh's poultry population, focusing on its two largest cities (Dhaka and Chattogram) and their poultry production and distribution networks. Our analyses suggest that H9N2 subtype avian influenza virus lineage movement occurs relatively less frequently between Bangladesh's two largest cities than within each city. H9N2 viruses detected in single markets are often more closely related to viruses from other markets in the same city than to each other, consistent with close epidemiological connectivity between markets. Our analyses also suggest that H9N2 viruses may spread more frequently between chickens of the three most commonly sold types (sunali-a cross-bred of Fayoumi hen and Rhode Island Red cock, deshi-local indigenous, and exotic broiler) in Dhaka than in Chattogram. Overall, this study improves our understanding of how Bangladesh's poultry trading system impacts avian influenza virus spread and should contribute to the design of tailored surveillance that accommodates local heterogeneity in virus dispersal patterns.

Experimental Pathogenicity of H9N2 Avian Influenza Viruses Harboring a Tri-Basic Hemagglutinin Cleavage Site in Sonali and Broiler Chickens.

Low-pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) H9N2 virus is endemic in Bangladesh, causing huge economic losses in the poultry industry. Although a considerable number of Bangladeshi LPAI H9N2 viruses have been molecularly characterized, there is inadequate information on the pathogenicity of H9N2 viruses in commercial poultry. In this study, circulating LPAI H9N2 viruses from recent field outbreaks were characterized, and their pathogenicity in commercial Sonali (crossbred) and broiler chickens was assessed. Phylogenetic analysis of currently circulating field viruses based on the hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) gene sequences revealed continuous circulation of G1 lineages containing the tri-basic hemagglutinin cleavage site (HACS) motif (PAKSKR*GLF) at the HA protein. Both the LPAI susceptible Sonali and broiler chickens were infected with selected H9N2 isolates A/chicken/Bangladesh/2458-LT2/2020 or A/chicken/Bangladesh/2465-LT56/2021 using intranasal (100 µL) and intraocular (100 µL) routes with a dose of 106 EID50/mL. Infected groups (LT_2-So1 and LT_56-So2; LT_2-Br1 and LT_56-Br2) revealed no mortality or clinical signs. However, at gross and histopathological investigation, the trachea, lungs, and intestine of the LT_2-So1 and LT_56-So2 groups displayed mild to moderate hemorrhages, congestion, and inflammation at different dpi. The LT 2-Br1 and LT 56-Br2 broiler groups showed nearly identical changes in the trachea, lungs, and intestine at various dpi, indicating no influence on pathogenicity in the two commercial bird species under study. Overall, the prominent lesions were observed up to 7 dpi and started to disappear at 10 dpi. The H9N2 viruses predominantly replicated in the respiratory tract, and higher titers of virus were shed through the oropharyngeal route than the cloacal route. Finally, this study demonstrated the continuous evolution of tri-basic HACS containing H9N2 viruses in Bangladesh with a low-pathogenic phenotype causing mild to moderate tracheitis, pneumonia, and enteritis in Sonali and commercial broiler chickens.

Increasing Dengue Burden and Severe Dengue Risk in Bangladesh: An Overview

Dengue is a prevalent and rapidly spreading mosquito-borne viral disease affecting humans. The geographic range of dengue is expanding, and much like in many other tropical regions of the world, dengue has become a major public health issue in Bangladesh. Until a large epidemic dengue outbreak in 2000, sporadic outbreaks have occurred in Bangladesh since 1964. After 2000, varying intensities of dengue activity were observed each year until 2018. However, in 2019, Bangladesh experienced the largest dengue epidemic in its history, with 101,354 dengue cases and 164 dengue-related deaths. Notably, this outbreak occurred in many regions that were previously considered free of the disease. As of 10 December 2022, a total of 60,078 dengue cases and 266 dengue-related deaths were reported in Bangladesh, with the 2022 outbreak being the second largest since 2000. There is an increased genetic diversity of the dengue virus (DENV) in Bangladesh and all four DENV serotypes are prevalent and co-circulating, which increases the risk for severe dengue owing to the antibody-dependent enhancement effect. Vector control remains the mainstay of dengue outbreak prevention; however, the vector control programs adopted in Bangladesh seem inadequate, requiring improved vector control strategies. In this review, we provide an overview of the epidemiology of DENV infection and the risks for a severe dengue outbreak in Bangladesh. Additionally, we discuss different dengue vector control strategies, from which the most suitable and effective measures can be applied in the context of Bangladesh for tackling future dengue epidemics.

Distinct VSV-based Nipah virus vaccines expressing either glycoprotein G or fusion protein F provide homologous and heterologous protection in a nonhuman primate model.

Nipah virus (NiV) causes recurrent outbreaks of lethal respiratory and neurological disease in Southeast Asia. The World Health Organization considers the development of an effective vaccine against NiV a priority. We produced two NiV vaccine candidates using the licensed VSV-EBOV vaccine as a backbone and tested its efficacy against lethal homologous and heterologous NiV challenge with Nipah virus Bangladesh and Nipah virus Malaysia, respectively, in the African green monkey model. The VSV-EBOV vaccine expressing NiV glycoprotein G (VSV-NiVG) induced high neutralising antibody titers and afforded complete protection from homologous and heterologous challenge. The VSV-EBOV vaccine expressing NiV fusion protein F (VSV-NiVF) induced a lower humoral response and afforded complete homologous protection, but only partial heterologous protection. Both vaccines reduced virus shedding from the upper respiratory tract, and virus replication in the lungs and central nervous system. None of the protected animals vaccinated with VSV-NiVG or VSV-NiVF showed histological lesions in the CNS, but one VSV-NiVF-vaccinated animal that was not protected developed severe meningoencephalitis. The VSV-NiVG vaccine offers broad protection against NiV disease. This study was supported by the Intramural Research Program, NIAID, NIH.

FIRST REPORT AND GENOME CHARACTERIZATION OF Pepper leaf curl Bangladesh virus INFECTING CHILLI IN INDIA

Chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) leaves showing curling symptoms were collected from Jalandhar region of Punjab, India, and a monopartite begomovirus Pepper leaf curl Bangladesh virus (PepLCBV) associated with Tomato leaf curl Bangladesh betasatellite (ToLCBB) was found to infect the crop. The viral DNA was amplified, cloned and sequenced. Sequencing results revealed that the virus genome and betasatellite consists of 2755 and 1361 nucleotides respectively. Infectious clones of the virus were constructed in binary vector pCAMBIA-1300 and Koch’s postulates were fulfilled. PepLCBV infectious clone caused minor curling in chilli plants when inoculated alone, but it produced typical leaf curl and stunting symptoms in combination with the ToLCBB infectious clone. Phylogenetic analysis with other closely related begomoviruses showed that the present isolate shares high identity with Pepper leaf curl Bangladesh virus. The present isolate grouped with other chilli isolates of begomoviruses reported from India (Pepper leaf curl Lahore virus, Chilli leaf curl Nagpur virus and Tomato leaf curl Liwa virus). Phylogenetic analysis of betasatellite showed its closest identity with Tomato leaf curl Bangladesh betasatellite. It grouped with other betasatellites reported from India (Tomato leaf curl betasatellite, Fenugreek leaf curl betasatellite and Chilli leaf curl betasatellite). Recombination analysis of the virus and betasatellite sequences suggested that PepLCBV might be a recombinant of Chilli leaf curl virus as a major parent and Chilli leaf curl Multan virus as a minor parent, whereas ToLCBB seemed to be a recombinant of Tomato leaf curl betasatellite as a major parent and Tomato leaf curl Ranchi betasatellite as a minor parent. To the best of our knowledge this is the first report of PepLCBV infecting chilli in India.

ChAdOx1 NiV vaccination protects against lethal Nipah Bangladesh virus infection in African green monkeys

Nipah virus (NiV) is a highly pathogenic and re-emerging virus, which causes sporadic but severe infections in humans. Currently, no vaccines against NiV have been approved. We previously showed that ChAdOx1 NiV provides full protection against a lethal challenge with NiV Bangladesh (NiV-B) in hamsters. Here, we investigated the efficacy of ChAdOx1 NiV in the lethal African green monkey (AGM) NiV challenge model. AGMs were vaccinated either 4 weeks before challenge (prime vaccination), or 8 and 4 weeks before challenge with ChAdOx1 NiV (prime-boost vaccination). A robust humoral and cellular response was detected starting 14 days post-initial vaccination. Upon challenge, control animals displayed a variety of signs and had to be euthanized between 5 and 7 days post inoculation. In contrast, vaccinated animals showed no signs of disease, and we were unable to detect infectious virus in tissues and all but one swab. No to limited antibodies against fusion protein or nucleoprotein antigen could be detected 42 days post challenge, suggesting that vaccination induced a very robust protective immune response preventing extensive virus replication.