Survey for nipah virus infection among bats in Thailand

Abstract

Surveillance for Nipah virus (NV) infection in bats was conducted among bat population in 9 provinces in Thailand. During March 2002 to Febuary 2004, 1,304 bats of 12 species were captured. Of 1,054 blood samples, 82 (7.8%) were positive for NV antibody by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). All but 6 (4 from Pteropus hypomelanus, and 1 each from P.vampyrus and Hipposidertos larvatus) anitbody positive samples were from P.lylie. Saliva (n = 1,286) and urine (n = 1,282) specimens were pooled on an average of 1:10, according to species and geographical locations of collection. Of 142 0oppls of each saliva and urine specimens, Nipah virus RNA could be demonstrated in 2 and 6 pools from saliva and urine specimens, respectively. The 181 nucleotide sequences of the nucleoprotein gene obtained from one saliva pool of H.lavtus was identical to those published sequences reported from Malaysia whereas those from one saliva and 6 urine pools from P.lyleishared 92% homology but identical to Bangladesh strain. These data suggested an existence of naturally infected Napah virus infection in Thai bats.