Comparative pathology of the diseases caused hy Hendra and Nipah viruses

Information on the pathogenesis and transmissibility of Hendra and Nipah viruses was obtained by comparing their histopathology. Both viruses induced syncytial cells in vascular tissues and they were primarily vasotropic and/or neurotropic, generating interstitial pneumonia or encephalitis. Nipah virus in Digs was also epitheliotropic in respiratory epithelium and thus contagious. (C) 2001 Editions scientifiques et medicales Elsevier SAS.