Nipah Virus: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

The Nipah virus (NiV), an emerging zoonotic pathogen from the Henipavirus genus, is known to cause severe
respiratory infections and encephalitis in humans. Since its first discovery in 1998 during an epidemic in Malaysia,
NiV has repeatedly produced outbreaks in Bangladesh and India, often resulting in high fatality rates. Pteropus
fruit bats serve as the primary natural reservoir for human transmission, which can occur through direct contact,
contaminated food, or contact with diseased animals. Clinical symptoms vary widely, ranging from mild febrile
illness to fatal encephalitis. Laboratory confirmation is achieved through molecular methods like reverse transcriptase
polymerase chain reaction and serological assays. Despite the lack of licensed treatments or vaccines, several
therapeutic candidates such as ribavirin, favipiravir, monoclonal antibodies, and remdesivir have demonstrated
varying levels of efficacy in preclinical studies. Public health interventions, including surveillance, outbreak
containment, and minimizing exposure to natural reservoirs, remain essential. Given its epidemic potential and lack
of specific therapies, NiV has been designated a priority pathogen by the World Health Organization. Continued
research and coordinated global efforts are critical to develop effective prevention and management strategies