Zoonotic Paramyxoviruses: Evolution, Ecology, and Public Health Strategies in a Changing World
Francesco Branda,
Grazia Pavia,
Alessandra Ciccozzi,
Angela Quirino,
Nadia Marascio,
Giovanni Matera,
Chiara Romano,
Chiara Locci,
Ilenia Azzena,
Noemi Pascale,
Daria Sanna,
Marco Casu,
Giancarlo Ceccarelli,
Massimo Ciccozzi,
Fabio Scarpa
Affiliations
Francesco Branda
Unit of Medical Statistics and Molecular Epidemiology, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, 00128 Rome, Italy
Grazia Pavia
Unit of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Health Sciences, “Magna Græcia” University of Catanzaro—“Renato Dulbecco” Teaching Hospital, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
Alessandra Ciccozzi
Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
Angela Quirino
Unit of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Health Sciences, “Magna Græcia” University of Catanzaro—“Renato Dulbecco” Teaching Hospital, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
Nadia Marascio
Unit of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Health Sciences, “Magna Græcia” University of Catanzaro—“Renato Dulbecco” Teaching Hospital, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
Giovanni Matera
Unit of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Health Sciences, “Magna Græcia” University of Catanzaro—“Renato Dulbecco” Teaching Hospital, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
Chiara Romano
Unit of Medical Statistics and Molecular Epidemiology, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, 00128 Rome, Italy
Chiara Locci
Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
Ilenia Azzena
Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
Noemi Pascale
Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
Daria Sanna
Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
Marco Casu
Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
Giancarlo Ceccarelli
Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
Massimo Ciccozzi
Unit of Medical Statistics and Molecular Epidemiology, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, 00128 Rome, Italy
Fabio Scarpa
Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
The family Paramyxoviridae includes a number of negative RNA viruses known for their wide host range and significant zoonotic potential. In recent years, there has been a surge in the identification of emerging zoonotic paramyxoviruses, particularly those hosted by bat species, which serve as key reservoirs. Among these, the genera Henipavirus and Pararubulavirus are of particular concern. Henipaviruses, including the highly pathogenic Hendra and Nipah viruses, have caused severe outbreaks with high mortality rates in both humans and animals. In contrast, zoonotic pararubulaviruses such as the Menangle virus typically induce mild symptoms or remain asymptomatic in human hosts. This review summarizes current knowledge on the evolution, ecology, and epidemiology of emerging zoonotic paramyxoviruses, focusing on recently discovered viruses and their potential to cause future epidemics. We explore the molecular mechanisms underlying host-switching events, viral replication strategies, and immune evasion tactics that facilitate interspecies transmission. In addition, we discuss ecological factors influencing virus emergence, including changes in bat populations and habitats and the role of wildlife–human interfaces. We also examine the public health impact of these emerging viruses, underlining the importance of enhanced surveillance, developing improved diagnostic tools, and implementing proactive strategies to prevent potential outbreaks. By providing a comprehensive overview of recent advances and gaps in knowledge, this review aims to inform future research directions and public health policies related to zoonotic paramyxoviruses.
