Henipavirus
Henipavirus
Henipavirus (pronounced: hen-ee-puh-vahy-ruhs) is a genus of viruses in the family Paramyxoviridae. The name "Henipavirus" is derived from the combination of Hendra and Nipah, the names of the two known viruses in this genus.
Etymology
The term "Henipavirus" is a portmanteau of Hendra and Nipah, the names of the two viruses first identified in this genus. The Hendra virus was named after the suburb of Hendra, Brisbane, Australia, where the virus was first isolated in 1994. The Nipah virus was named after Sungai Nipah, a village in the Malaysian Peninsula where it was first identified in 1998.
Classification
Henipaviruses are classified under the family Paramyxoviridae, in the order Mononegavirales. They are enveloped, non-segmented, negative-sense RNA viruses. The two known species in this genus are the Hendra virus and the Nipah virus.
Transmission and Symptoms
Henipaviruses are zoonotic pathogens, which means they are transmitted from animals to humans. The primary reservoir for these viruses is fruit bats of the genus Pteropus, also known as flying foxes. Humans can contract the virus through direct contact with infected animals or their bodily fluids.
Symptoms of Henipavirus infection in humans can range from asymptomatic infection to acute respiratory illness and severe encephalitis. The mortality rate for both Hendra and Nipah virus infections is high, making them significant public health concerns.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Henipavirus
- Wikipedia's article - Henipavirus
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