Evidence of henipavirus infection in West African fruit bats
PloS one, 2008•journals.plos.org
Henipaviruses are emerging RNA viruses of fruit bat origin that can cause fatal encephalitis
in man. Ghanaian fruit bats (megachiroptera) were tested for antibodies to henipaviruses.
Using a Luminex multiplexed microsphere assay, antibodies were detected in sera of
Eidolon helvum to both Nipah (39%, 95% confidence interval: 27–51%) and Hendra (22%,
95% CI: 11–33%) viruses. Virus neutralization tests further confirmed seropositivity for
30%(7/23) of Luminex positive serum samples. Our results indicate that henipavirus is …
in man. Ghanaian fruit bats (megachiroptera) were tested for antibodies to henipaviruses.
Using a Luminex multiplexed microsphere assay, antibodies were detected in sera of
Eidolon helvum to both Nipah (39%, 95% confidence interval: 27–51%) and Hendra (22%,
95% CI: 11–33%) viruses. Virus neutralization tests further confirmed seropositivity for
30%(7/23) of Luminex positive serum samples. Our results indicate that henipavirus is …
Henipaviruses are emerging RNA viruses of fruit bat origin that can cause fatal encephalitis in man. Ghanaian fruit bats (megachiroptera) were tested for antibodies to henipaviruses. Using a Luminex multiplexed microsphere assay, antibodies were detected in sera of Eidolon helvum to both Nipah (39%, 95% confidence interval: 27–51%) and Hendra (22%, 95% CI: 11–33%) viruses. Virus neutralization tests further confirmed seropositivity for 30% (7/23) of Luminex positive serum samples. Our results indicate that henipavirus is present within West Africa.
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