Research progress in animal infection and zoonotic aspects of Bundibugyo virus

Bundibugyo virus (BDBV) causes hemorrhagic fever in humans with a case fatality rate of 25%–51%. In recent years, breakthrough progress has been made in animal infection studies. This review focuses on domestic swine as a newly identified susceptible host and its public health significance, and summarizes animal models including ferrets, nonhuman primates, and bats. Domestic swine are highly susceptible to BDBV, can shed the virus asymptomatically, and exhibit intraspecies transmission. Antibody positivity rates against filovirus nucleoprotein in West African pig populations reach 48.7%–50.0%, suggesting widespread natural exposure to filoviruses (potentially including BDBV or antigenically related viruses). The ferret is the only small animal model that can be lethally infected with BDBV without viral adaptation, and nonhuman primates provide a reliable platform for vaccine evaluation. Regarding pathogenic mechanisms, BDBV exhibits significant differences from Zaire Ebola virus that appear to contribute to its lower virulence; however, the underlying mechanisms require further investigation. Domestic swine, as a potential amplifying host, pose a threat to pig farming and public health. It is recommended to strengthen surveillance of domestic swine within the international “One Health” framework. The ferret model represents an ideal platform for vaccine and drug evaluation, and the long-term sequelae in BDBV survivors require continued medical attention. This review aims to provide a scientific reference for ecological research on BDBV and the development of relevant prevention and control strategies.