Recent investigations have uncovered a link between the consumption of raw date palm sap and a novel virus infection in humans. All five patients involved in the study had ingested this sweet liquid, which is often harvested in winter and is known to attract bats. This sap has previously been associated with Nipah virus transmission in Bangladesh, highlighting the potential health risks posed by bat interactions.
According to Dr. Nischay Mishra, an associate professor of epidemiology at Columbia University's Center for Infection and Immunity, "Our research indicates that the health risks linked to raw date palm sap consumption extend beyond just the Nipah virus." He emphasized the necessity for comprehensive surveillance programs to detect and address public health threats from emerging viruses carried by bats.
Uncovering New Viral Causes
Between December 2022 and March 2023, the five patients exhibited symptoms characteristic of Nipah virus infection, such as fever, vomiting, and neurological issues. However, laboratory tests, including PCR and serology, excluded Nipah virus as the cause. Further investigations using advanced viral capture sequencing revealed the presence of Pteropine orthoreoviruses in the patients' samples, confirming active infections.
The identification of these patients was made possible through a Nipah virus surveillance initiative conducted by various health organizations in Bangladesh and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Innovative Technology to Identify Overlooked Viruses
The patented Viral Capture Sequencing (VCS) method, developed at Columbia University, enables researchers to screen for a wide range of viral infections in vertebrates, including those transmitted by bats. This innovative technique matches the sensitivity of standard PCR testing while simultaneously searching for numerous viruses and generating comprehensive genome sequences. A related method, Bacterial Capture Sequencing (BCS), focuses on identifying harmful bacteria and antibiotic resistance genes.
All five patients experienced significant illness, contrasting with milder PRV infections reported in neighboring regions. This discrepancy suggests that less severe cases may be occurring in Bangladesh without proper diagnosis.
Dr. Tahmina Shirin from the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control, and Research noted, "This new zoonotic spillover presents respiratory and neurological complications following the consumption of raw date palm sap, in addition to Nipah virus infection."
Connecting Bats to Human Infections
Recent research, supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, has traced the source of infections to genetically similar Pteropine orthoreoviruses found in bats near the Padma River Basin, where human cases were reported. Dr. Ariful Islam, a bat-borne disease ecologist, stated, "This research provides essential evidence linking bat reservoirs to human infections. We are currently investigating the mechanisms of spillover from bats to humans and domestic animals, as well as the broader ecology of emerging bat-borne viruses in communities along the Padma River Basin."
The study was co-led by Sharmin Sultana from the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control, and Research, with contributions from multiple researchers across various institutions. The research received funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture in collaboration with Columbia University.
