Abstract:
To enhance preparedness against existing and new zoonotic viruses such as Hendra virus, Nipah virus, and other paramyxoviruses, screening tools and efficient diagnostic methods are needed. Here, we established a conventional nested
pan-PCR assay using previously described primers for screening of human and bat samples. Additionally, we developed
specific real-time RT-PCR (RT-qPCR) assays to detect Nipah virus and Hendra virus genotypes 1 and 2. Both PCR methods demonstrated good performance and could be used for screening of paramyxoviruses. Human serum and cerebrospinal
fluid samples from 558 Finnish patients and 60 serum samples from Kenyan patients were screened using the nested-panPCR assay, and all were negative. In addition, we screened 340 synanthropic bat samples collected during 2021 and 2023
from Kenya, resulting in the discovery of two parajeilongviruses in Angolan free-tailed bat (Mops condylurus) samples.
