What is Nipah Virus?

Nipah virus (NiV) is a highly lethal zoonotic henipavirus causing encephalitis and respiratory illness, with fruit bats (Pteropus) as the natural reservoir.

It can spread from bats and pigs to people and between people. Recombinant G and F glycoproteins and antibody assays underpin diagnostics, serosurveillance and vaccine research for this priority pathogen.

Transmission & symptoms

Nipah virus (NiV) is a highly lethal zoonotic henipavirus with fruit bats (Pteropus) as the reservoir. It can spread from bats or pigs to people and between people, causing encephalitis and respiratory disease with very high case-fatality; it is a WHO priority pathogen.

Diagnosis & serology

Diagnosis uses RT-PCR and antigen detection in acute disease, with anti-NiV IgM/IgG serology (against the G and F glycoproteins) for recovery and serosurveillance. Recombinant G/F antigens support both diagnostics and vaccine work.

Research applications

Research tools cover the NiV entry receptors ephrin-B2 and ephrin-B3 (used by the attachment glycoprotein G), and the interferon-antagonism and inflammatory responses that shape severe disease.