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Recrudescent Infection Supports Hendra Virus Persistence in Australian Flying-Fox Populations

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Wang, H. H., Kung, N. Y., Grant, W. E., Scanlan, J. C. and Field, H. E. (2013) Recrudescent Infection Supports Hendra Virus Persistence in Australian Flying-Fox Populations. Plos One, 8 (11). ISSN 1932-6203

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Article Link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0080430

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.

Item Type:Article
Business groups:Biosecurity Queensland
Additional Information:ISI Document Delivery No.: 261IJ Times Cited: 0 Cited Reference Count: 40 Wang, Hsiao-Hsuan Kung, Nina Y. Grant, William E. Scanlan, Joe C. Field, Hume E. Queensland Government Sources of funding: Queensland Government. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript. Public library science San francisco
Keywords:new-south-wales pteropus-poliocephalus nipah viruses emergence bats heterogeneity reproduction pteropodidae movements reservoir
Subjects:Veterinary medicine > Diseases of special classes of animals
Veterinary medicine > Veterinary virology
Live Archive:21 Aug 2014 01:51
Last Modified:03 Sep 2021 16:49

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