Open AccessRecent developments in experimental animal models of Henipavirus infection
Author(s) -
Rockx Barry
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
pathogens and disease
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.983
H-Index - 105
ISSN - 2049-632X
DOI - 10.1111/2049-632x.12149
Subject(s) - hendra virus , virology , transmission (telecommunications) , zoonosis , encephalitis , disease , biology , immunology , animal model , medicine , virus , pathology , endocrinology , electrical engineering , engineering
Hendra (HeV) and Nipah (NiV) viruses (genus H enipavirus ( HNV ; family P aramyxoviridae ) are emerging zoonotic agents that can cause severe respiratory distress and acute encephalitis in humans. Given the lack of effective therapeutics and vaccines for human use, these viruses are considered as public health concerns. Several experimental animal models of HNV infection have been developed in recent years. Here, we review the current status of four of the most promising experimental animal models (mice, hamsters, ferrets, and A frican green monkeys) and their suitability for modeling the clinical disease, transmission, pathogenesis, prevention, and treatment for HNV infection in humans.