Henipavirus | |
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Colored transmission electron micrograph of a Hendra henipavirus virion (ca. 300 nm length) | |
Virus classification | |
(unranked): | Virus |
Realm: | Riboviria |
Kingdom: | Orthornavirae |
Phylum: | Negarnaviricota |
Class: | Monjiviricetes |
Order: | Mononegavirales |
Family: | Paramyxoviridae |
Subfamily: | Orthoparamyxovirinae |
Genus: | Henipavirus |
Species | |
Henipavirus is a genus of negative-strand RNA viruses in the family Paramyxoviridae, order Mononegavirales containing six established species,[1][2] and numerous others still under study.[3] Henipaviruses are naturally harboured by several species of small mammals, notably pteropid fruit bats (flying foxes), microbats of several species,[4] and shrews.[5][6] Henipaviruses are characterised by long genomes and a wide host range. Their recent emergence as zoonotic pathogens capable of causing illness and death in domestic animals and humans is a cause of concern.[7][8]
In 2009, RNA sequences of three novel viruses in phylogenetic relationship to known henipaviruses were detected in African straw-colored fruit bats (Eidolon helvum) in Ghana. The finding of these novel henipaviruses outside Australia and Asia indicates that the region of potential endemicity of henipaviruses may be worldwide.[9] These African henipaviruses are slowly being characterised.[10]
Nipah and Hendra henipaviruses are both considered category C (USDA-HHS overlap) select agents.[11]
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