GLOBAL HEALTH SECURITY: INNOVATIVE THERAPEUTIC AND DIAGNOSTIC APPROACHES AGAINST NIPAH VIRUS - A DISTANT DANGER OR A REAL THREAT?

Barbara Fetner; Magdalena  Dłużewska; Dawid Juszkiewicz; Krzysztof Kiełczewski; Agnieszka  Zaręba; Agata Kucharska; Konrad Adler; Patrycja Stankowska; Zuzanna Gebert; Ivanna Ilkiv

doi:10.31435/ijitss.3(51).2026.5915

Authors

Barbara Fetner Medical University of Silesia, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Plac Traugutta 2, 41-800 Zabrze, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0006-9413-9901
Magdalena Dłużewska Zespół Zakładów Opieki Zdrowotnej w Cieszynie, ul. Bielska 4, 43-400 Cieszyn, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0006-5006-9112
Dawid Juszkiewicz Medical University of Gdansk, Ul.Marii Skłodowskiej-Curie 3a, 80-210 Gdańsk, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0003-3392-8024
Krzysztof Kiełczewski Medical University of Warsaw, Ul. Żwirki i Wigury 61, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0009-6159-4598
Agnieszka Zaręba Medical University of Warsaw, Ul. Żwirki i Wigury 61, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0001-9890-8310
Agata Kucharska Rey-Dent Gabinet Stomatologii Holistycznej, ul. Pustelnicka 18, 04-170 Warszawa, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0009-9840-4911
Konrad Adler Szpital Czerniakowski, Stępińska 19/25, 00-739 Warszawa, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0006-9483-7072
Patrycja Stankowska Szpital Wolski im. dr Anny Gostyńskiej, ul. Marcina Kasprzaka 17, 01-211 Warszawa, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0003-9100-1948
Zuzanna Gebert Międzyleski Szpital Specjalistyczny w Warszawie, Bursztynowa 2, 04-749 Warszawa, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0000-6169-5799
Ivanna Ilkiv Nowodworskie Centrum Medyczne ul. Miodowa 2, 05-100 Nowy Dwór Mazowiecki, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0008-4223-3976

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31435/ijitss.3(51).2026.5915

Keywords:

Nipah Virus, Encephalitis, Zoonoses, Central Nervous System Infections, Global Health

Abstract

Background: Nipah virus (NiV) is an emerging zoonotic paramyxovirus causing severe respiratory distress and devastating neurological complications. Given its high fatality rates and human-to-human transmission, NiV holds significant epidemic potential, prompting the World Health Organization to designate it a priority pathogen.

Aim: This review synthesizes current knowledge on the molecular virology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, and therapeutic strategies of NiV infection.

Material and methods: We analyzed literature from PubMed and Google Scholar, including observational studies, trials, and reviews focusing on the clinical symptoms, diagnostic mechanisms, and molecular virology of NiV.

Results: NiV enters cells via highly conserved ephrin-B2/B3 receptors and employs sophisticated immune evasion strategies. We focus on central nervous system (CNS) invasion, detailing how NiV breaches the blood-brain barrier via direct endothelial infection and a leukocyte-mediated "Trojan horse" mechanism. Clinically, NiV induces rapidly progressive acute encephalitis with profound brainstem dysfunction. The virus's unique capacity for persistence often causes delayed-onset or relapsing neurological sequelae, frequently leaving survivors with irreversible cognitive impairments. We address diagnostic complexities, emphasizing the prognostic value of electroencephalography and neuroimaging, alongside rigorous molecular and serological testing. Finally, we review the current frontier of clinical management, including experimental small-molecule antivirals, neutralizing monoclonal antibodies, and next-generation vaccines.

Conclusions: Further research into NiV neuroinvasion is essential to develop targeted neuroprotective interventions, improve patient outcomes, and mitigate this severe global health threat.

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