Antibodies to Henipavirus in Pigs in Ghana
Author Information
Author(s): Hayman David T. S., Wang Lin-Fa, Barr Jennifer, Baker Kate S., Suu-Ire Richard, Broder Christopher C., Cunningham Andrew A., Wood James L. N.
Primary Institution: Cambridge Infectious Diseases Consortium, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
Hypothesis
We hypothesise that these pigs might have been infected by henipavirus(es) sufficiently divergent enough from HeV or NiV to produce cross-reactive, but not cross-neutralizing antibodies to HeV or NiV.
Conclusion
The study suggests evidence of prior exposure of the Ghana pig population to henipavirus(es).
Supporting Evidence
- Antibodies against henipaviruses have been found in Eidolon helvum bats in Ghana.
- Infected pigs acted as amplifier hosts for NiV during the Malaysian NiV outbreak.
- The study detected non-neutralizing antibodies against henipaviruses in approximately 5% of pig sera tested.
Takeaway
The researchers found that some pigs in Ghana had antibodies that suggest they were exposed to a virus related to Nipah, even though the pigs didn't have the kind of antibodies that would neutralize the virus.
Methodology
Serum samples were collected from domestic animals in Ghana and tested for antibodies against Henipavirus using a Luminex multiplexed binding assay.
Limitations
The study had a small sample size for other domestic species and the bat-pig contact history was unknown.
Participant Demographics
Samples were collected from pigs, cats, dogs, sheep, and goats in Ghana.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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