How Nipah virus infects and spreads inside the body:

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How Nipah virus infects and spreads inside the body:

🧬 Step 1: Entry into the Body

  • The virus usually enters through the respiratory tract (inhaled droplets) or digestive tract (contaminated food).
  • It binds to specific receptors on human cells called Ephrin‑B2 and Ephrin‑B3, which are found in blood vessels and neurons.

🧬 Step 2: Initial Replication

  • Once inside, Nipah virus fuses with the cell membrane and releases its RNA.
  • The viral RNA is copied and translated into proteins, allowing the virus to multiply rapidly.
  • Early replication happens in respiratory cells and endothelial cells (lining of blood vessels).

🧬 Step 3: Spread Through the Body

  • The virus enters the bloodstream, causing viremia (virus circulating in blood).
  • It targets:
    • Endothelial cells → leading to vasculitis (inflammation of blood vessels).
    • Neurons → leading to encephalitis (brain swelling).
    • Lung tissue → causing respiratory distress.

🧬 Step 4: Damage & Symptoms

  • Blood vessels leak due to vasculitis → swelling and organ damage.
  • Brain infection → confusion, seizures, coma.
  • Lung infection → cough, breathing difficulty, acute respiratory distress.
  • This combination explains why patients often deteriorate quickly.

🧬 Step 5: Transmission to Others

  • Infected individuals shed the virus in respiratory secretions (coughs, sneezes).
  • Close contact in hospitals or households can spread it person‑to‑person.
  • Fruit bats remain the natural reservoir, silently carrying the virus.

⚠️ Why It’s So Dangerous

  • High fatality rate: 40–75%.
  • No cure or vaccine yet.
  • Dual attack: It damages both the lungs and the brain, making supportive care very difficult.

So in short: Nipah virus hijacks cells via Ephrin receptors, spreads through blood vessels, inflames the brain and lungs, and can pass between people through droplets — which is why outbreaks are so alarming.

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