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PloS one2013; 8(11); e80430; doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0080430

Recrudescent infection supports Hendra virus persistence in Australian flying-fox populations.

Abstract: Zoonoses from wildlife threaten global public health. Hendra virus is one of several zoonotic viral diseases that have recently emerged from Pteropus species fruit-bats (flying-foxes). Most hypotheses regarding persistence of Hendra virus within flying-fox populations emphasize horizontal transmission within local populations (colonies) via urine and other secretions, and transmission among colonies via migration. As an alternative hypothesis, we explore the role of recrudescence in persistence of Hendra virus in flying-fox populations via computer simulation using a model that integrates published information on the ecology of flying-foxes, and the ecology and epidemiology of Hendra virus. Simulated infection patterns agree with infection patterns observed in the field and suggest that Hendra virus could be maintained in an isolated flying-fox population indefinitely via periodic recrudescence in a manner indistinguishable from maintenance via periodic immigration of infected individuals. Further, post-recrudescence pulses of infectious flying-foxes provide a plausible basis for the observed seasonal clustering of equine cases. Correct understanding of the infection dynamics of Hendra virus in flying-foxes is fundamental to effectively managing risk of infection in horses and humans. Given the lack of clear empirical evidence on how the virus is maintained within populations, the role of recrudescence merits increased attention.
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Publication Date: 2013-11-28 PubMed ID: 24312221PubMed Central: PMC3842926DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0080430Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article
  • Research Support
  • Non-U.S. Gov't

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research focusses on the persistence of Hendra virus within Australian flying-fox populations, exploring how recurrent infections (recrudescence) may play as crucial a role as horizontal transmission and migration in the virus’s longevity. Predictive computer modelling supported these findings, suggesting further research into this phenomenon is warranted for managing infection risks.

Understanding the Research Topic

  • The study’s primary objective is to unravel how Hendra virus persists in flying-fox populations in Australia. Specifically, it investigates the influence of recrudescence (virus reactivation after a period of inactivity) in sustaining the virus in these populations.
  • While the majority of existing hypotheses focus on horizontal transmission of the virus within local flying-fox colonies (via urine and other secretions) and migration-driven transmission among colonies, this research presents an alternative view.
  • Hendra virus is a zoonotic disease—which means it can jump from animals to humans—posing a significant global health risk. In this case, the virus originates from fruit bats, scientifically known as Pteropus. Understanding the dynamics of its transmission could help in effective public health responses.

Methodology

  • The researchers employed a computer simulation model to investigate the role of virus recrudescence in its continuity within flying-fox populations.
  • This model integrated existing information on the ecology of flying-foxes and the ecology and epidemiology of Hendra virus, thereby providing a ground for simulation.
  • The resulting infection patterns from the simulations were then compared and validated with observed infection patterns in the field.

Findings and Implications

  • The simulated infection patterns tallied with observed patterns in the field, suggesting that Hendra virus’s maintenance in flying-fox populations could be attributed equally to periodic recrudescence as it could be to periodic immigration of infected individuals.
  • The study also highlighted that the post-reactivation pulse of infectious flying-foxes could explain the seasonal clustering of equine cases.
  • These findings are crucial as a clear understanding of the infection dynamics of Hendra virus in flying-foxes can form the basis for effective management strategies to minimize the risk of infection transmission to horses and subsequently, humans.
  • Given the limited empirical evidence on how the virus is maintained within populations, the study underscores the need for more attention and investigation on the role of recrudescence.

Cite This Article

APA
Wang HH, Kung NY, Grant WE, Scanlan JC, Field HE. (2013). Recrudescent infection supports Hendra virus persistence in Australian flying-fox populations. PLoS One, 8(11), e80430. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0080430

Publication

PloS one
ISSN: 1932-6203
NlmUniqueID: 101285081
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 8
Issue: 11
Pages: e80430

Researcher Affiliations

Wang, Hsiao-Hsuan
  • Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America.
Kung, Nina Y
    Grant, William E
      Scanlan, Joe C
        Field, Hume E

          MeSH Terms

          • Animals
          • Australia
          • Chiroptera / virology
          • Environment
          • Female
          • Hendra Virus
          • Henipavirus Infections / veterinary
          • Male
          • Models, Theoretical
          • Population Dynamics
          • Zoonoses / epidemiology
          • Zoonoses / virology

          Conflict of Interest Statement

          Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

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