Nipah virus ecology and infection dynamics in its bat reservoir, Pteropus medius, in Bangladesh

Purpose: Nipah virus (NiV) is an emerging zoonotic virus that causes seasonal outbreaks of encephalitis in Bangladesh with >75% mortality. Little is known about NiV dynamics in Pteropus medius, the putative bat reservoir in Bangladesh. Date palm sap consumption is the primary route of transmission to humans. The aim of this study was to determine whether seasonal dynamics or distribution of NiV in bats accounts for human outbreak patterns. Methods & Materials: Between 2006 and 2012, urine, blood, feces and saliva was collected from 100 P. medius from each of eight districts across Bangladesh. Additionally, 100 bats from Faridpur were sampled quarterly for 6 years. Samples were screened for NiV RNA by PCR. Sera were screened for anti-NiV IgG antibodies…