Antibodies to Nipah or Nipah-like Viruses in Bats, China
Author Information
Author(s): Li Yan, Wang Jianmin, Hickey Andrew C., Zhang Yunzhi, Li Yuchun, Wu Yi, Zhang Huajun, Yuan Junfa, Han Zhenggang, McEachern Jennifer, Broder Christopher C., Wang Lin-Fa, Shi Zhengli
Primary Institution: State Key Laboratory of Virology–Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
Hypothesis
Are bats in China exposed to Nipah or Nipah-like viruses?
Conclusion
The study found that several bat species in China have been exposed to Nipah or closely related viruses.
Supporting Evidence
- 33 out of 692 bat serum specimens tested positive for antibodies to Nipah virus.
- Antibodies were found in 9 of the 23 bat species examined.
- High prevalence of antibodies was noted among Myotis species from Yunnan Province.
Takeaway
Scientists checked bats in China for a virus called Nipah and found some had antibodies, which means they were exposed to the virus.
Methodology
Bats were trapped, and serum samples were tested for antibodies using ELISA and Western blot methods.
Limitations
The study could not detect neutralizing antibodies or viral RNA in many samples, which may indicate low levels of the virus or unique immune responses.
Participant Demographics
Bats from 10 provinces in mainland China were included in the study.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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