Hendra virus occurs naturally in flying foxes (Pteropus spp), the reservoir host, with horses becoming infected by natural transmission from flying foxes likely via their contamination of the equine environment. A vaccine that protects against disease in horses and substantially reduces viral shedding and hence the risk of transmission to people has recently been developed. Although introduction of the vaccine will reduce the risk of transmission from horses-to-humans improved diagnostics are still an important component of Hendra virus disease control.
The aim of this project is to define diagnostic markers for early detection of Hendra virus infection in horses under surveillance on an outbreak property. We have investigated the application of microRNAs as diagnostic markers for Hendra virus infections in horses. MicroRNAs are a class of highly conserved RNA molecules that regulate biological processes in higher order animals. During processes regulated by miRNAs, including viral infections, expression of particular miRNAs change in order to regulate a specific process. Because of this, miRNA levels can be employed to diagnose diseases, and are used to identify viral infections.
Early detection of infection in in-contact horses would allow further separation of infected animals from other susceptible horses prior to the onset of high levels of virus shedding and would therefore provide an improved strategy for preventing transmission from horse to horse.