P-1785. Characterizing the epidemiological and clinical diversity of Nipah virus strains from Bangladesh: 2016 to 2023

TL;DR

This study examines the spread and symptoms of two Nipah virus strains in Bangladesh from 2016 to 2023, finding geographic and clinical differences that could impact vaccine development.

Contribution

The study provides new insights into the geographic and clinical distinctions of two Nipah virus sublineages in Bangladesh.

Findings

NiV-BD 1 is localized in northern and central Bangladesh, while NiV-BD 2 is found in southern regions.

Respiratory distress is more common in NiV-BD 2 cases, and hospitalization is longer for NiV-BD 1.

Both sublineages have an 84% mortality rate, with no significant differences in age, sex, or transmission mode.

Abstract

Nipah virus (NiV), a zoonotic pathogen, is responsible for fatal outbreaks in Bangladesh, with a case fatality rate up to 71%. NiV-BD 1 and NiV-BD 2 are the two sublineages described in human cases in Bangladesh. This study aims to characterize the epidemiological and clinical diversity of NiV strains circulating in Bangladesh.Phylogenic analysis of the Nipah virus genome sequences

Phylogenic analysis of the Nipah virus genome sequences

This study combined 21 new human NiV near-complete or partial genome sequences from the period 2016-2023 with 17 previously reported sequences from NiV cases from 2012-2015. The differences in epidemiological and clinical features between the sublineages were compared using descriptive statistics and bivariate analysis.

The median age of the NiV cases examined in this study was 17 years [IQR: 9-30]; males were predominant (66%). Consumption of contaminated raw date palm sap was the primary route of transmission (92%). NiV-BD 1 strain was primarily localized in the northern and central regions of Bangladesh, while NiV-BD 2 showed a broader geographic distribution, with cases also reported in the southern region. The two sublineages did not differ much. No significant difference between age, sex, or transmission modes was observed among those individuals infected with NiV-BD 1 or 2. Clinical symptoms such as fever, altered mental status, and unconsciousness were observed in both strains, while respiratory distress was more prevalent (23/29 cases) in cases infected with NiV-BD 2. Duration of hospitalization was longer than 3 days (IQR: 1-23) in cases infected with NiV-BD 1. The overall mortality rate was 84%, irrespective of sublineage infection.

This study highlights that NiV sublineage vary depending on geographical location and in some of the clinical presentations for which they are responsible. These points will be important when selecting vaccine candidates to ensure that they are protective against both sublineages circulating in Bangladesh.

All Authors: No reported disclosures

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