Researchers find nanobody in alpacas that could neutralise deadly Hendra virus

Less than a week after Australia's first fatal case of Hendra virus in three years, Queensland researchers think they've discovered an antibody fragment that could neutralise the disease.

Hendra and Nipah viruses are severe and often fatal infections that start in flying foxes and bats. They first spread to horses and then, in rare cases, to humans.

Queensland recently recorded its first death due to Hendra virus in three years when a horse died last Friday after contracting the disease.

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Now, researchers from the University of Queensland (UQ) say they've discovered a nanobody occurring in Chilean alpacas, which could curb the illness.

"It's a bit of a eureka moment, cause it was the first time a nanobody was developed against these viruses," UQ researcher Dr Ariel Isaacs said.

"These species produce nanobodies, which are very small and compact antibodies, and they're able to bind crevasses and pockets of viruses that are otherwise inaccessible to antibodies.

"This nanobody in particular came from an alpaca named Pedro."

The nanobody, named DS90, is being tested in combination with an antibody therapy invented at the UQ.

The compound attaches itself to the virus protein, burrowing in and limiting its movement.

This prevents the disease from growing and causing more damage.

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The discovery could also lead to a vaccine to protect humans against the disease, which does not exist yet.

If the first phase of the trial is successful, it would progress to a phase two, where "it's given to people at risk of contracting these diseases", Isaacs said.

Biosecurity Queensland acting chief veterinary officer Dr Fiona Thompson said the virus can have "devastating" impacts.

It attacks the lungs and brain, which quickly shuts down vital organs.

"What we tend to see is a rapid deterioration, that can be over a 24 to 48 hour period," Thompson said.

The first case was identified in Queensland in 1994 - over 90 horses have died since then, including the most recent death.

"We are confident with our tracing and exposure, we are working very closely with this horse owner that it's contained to one property," Thompson said.