Recently, Scientists have discovered the presence of IgG antibodies against the Nipah virus infection(NiV) in 51 bats captured from Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry. This discovery has sparked interest in understanding more about this virus, antibodies, and the role of bats in transmitting diseases.
About Antibodies: Definition and Function
Antibody, also called immunoglobulin, is a protective protein produced by the immune system when a foreign substance, known as an antigen, is detected in the body. These antigens can come from disease-causing organisms or toxic materials. The function of antibodies is to recognize and eliminate these antigens from the body.
Different Types of Antibodies
There are five main types of antibodies – IgG, IgM, IgA, IgD, and IgE. IgG, found primarily in blood, binds to bacteria and toxins, playing a crucial role in our biological defense system. It can pass through the placenta and thus protects newborns.
IgM consists of five basic Y-shaped structures and is mainly located in the blood. Produced first upon pathogen invasion by B cells, it is integral to the initial defense of the immune system.
IgA is primarily present in secretions, forming structures that prevent bacterial invasion from a mucous membrane. Also present in breast milk, it safeguards newborns’ gastrointestinal tracts from infections.
IgD, found on the surface of B cells, reportedly induces antibody production and prevents respiratory tract infections.
Lastly, IgE was initially related to immunity reactions to parasites and is now suspected to be involved in certain allergies such as pollinosis.
Insights into the Nipah Virus
The Nipah virus is a zoonotic RNA virus, meaning it is transmittable from animals to humans. The organism is of the family Paramyxoviridae, closely related to the Hendra virus, which causes severe and often fatal disease in infected horses and humans. It first broke out in Malaysia and Singapore in 1998 and 1999, found among several species of domestic animals.
Transmission and Symptoms of the Nipah Virus
The virus spreads through fruit bats or ‘flying foxes,’ of the genus Pteropus, who are natural reservoir hosts of the Nipah and Hendra viruses. The virus is present in bat urine, potentially bat feces, saliva, and birthing fluids.
The human infection presents as an encephalitic syndrome marked by fever, headache, drowsiness, disorientation, mental confusion, coma, and potentially death.
Prevention and Treatment
As of now, there are no vaccines for both humans and animals against the Nipah virus. Those infected by the virus are given intensive supportive care.
Previous Year Questions in UPSC Civil Services Examination
In the 2017 examination, there were questions regarding Zika virus disease transmission. Both Zika and dengue share similarities in symptoms and mode of transmission, and sexual transmission of Zika was confirmed.
In the 2015 examination, the H1N1 virus, related to Swine Flu, was discussed. The flu caused by H1N1 was declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization in 2009. The symptoms of Swine Flu include fever, cough, sore throat, chills, weakness, and body aches.
This exploration of the Nipah virus, its detection in bats, and the role of antibodies in our immune system underlines the importance and achievements of Indian scientists in the field of Science and Technology. Understanding these complex biological processes can help in developing effective treatments and preventative measures against such diseases in the future.
