Recent Advances of Nipah Virus Disease: Pathobiology to Treatment and Vaccine Advancement

Abstract

The zoonotic infection of the Nipah virus (NiV) has yet again appeared in 2023 in Kerala state, India. The virus, which has a mortality rate ranging from about 40 to 70%, has already infected India five times, the first being in 2001. The current infection is the sixth virus outbreak in the Indian population. In 1998, the first NiV infection was noted in one village in Malaysia. After that, outbreaks from other South and Southeast Asian countries have been reported periodically. It can spread between humans through contact with body fluids. Therefore, it is unlikely to generate a new pandemic. However, there is a considerable knowledge gap in the different areas of NiV. To date, no approved vaccines or treatments have been available. To fulfil the knowledge gap, the review article provided a detailed overview of the genome and genome-encoded proteins, epidemiology, transmission, pathobiology, immunobiology, diagnosis, prevention and control measures, therapeutics (monoclonal antibodies and drug molecules), and vaccine advancement of the emerging and deadly pathogen. The advanced information will help researchers to develop safe and effective NiV vaccine and treatment regimens worldwide.