Abstract
Bokeloh bat lyssavirus (BBLV), a novel lyssavirus, was isolated from a Natterer’s bat (Myotis nattererii), a chiropteran species with a widespread and abundant distribution across Europe. As a novel lyssavirus, the risks of BBLV to animal and human health are unknown and as such characterization both in vitro and in vivo was required to assess pathogenicity and vaccine protection. Full genome sequence analysis and antigenic cartography demonstrated that the German BBLV isolates are most closely related to European bat lyssavirus type 2 (EBLV-2) and Khujand virus and can be characterized within phylogroup I. In vivo characterization demonstrated that BBLV was pathogenic in mice when inoculated peripherally causing clinical signs typical for rabies encephalitis, with higher pathogenicity observed in juvenile mice. A limited vaccination-challenge experiment in mice was conducted and suggested that current vaccines would afford some protection against BBLV although further studies are warranted to determine a serological cut-off for protection.
Highlights
Virology and Cell Biology, WHO Collaborating Centre for Rabies Surveillance and Research, Südufer 10, D-17493 Greifswald – Insel Riems, Germany
Full genome sequence analysis and antigenic cartography demonstrated that the German Bokeloh bat lyssavirus (BBLV) isolates are most closely related to European bat lyssavirus type 2 (EBLV-2) and Khujand virus and can be characterized within phylogroup I
In vivo characterization demonstrated that BBLV was pathogenic in mice when inoculated peripherally causing clinical signs typical for rabies encephalitis, with higher pathogenicity observed in juvenile mice
Summary
The antigenic relationships between BBLV and a global panel of lyssaviruses were quantified and visualized, using antigenic cartography techniques described previously (Horton et al., 2010; Smith et al, 2004), whereby the ability of a panel of hyperimmune rabbit sera to neutralize a fixed quantity of each virus was measured. Pathogenicity in mice was studied for the two BBLV isolates from Germany. TCID50 per 30 ml) and medium doses (10-fold dilution) of BBLV (LabNo. 21961, GenBank JF311903) by IC and IM inoculation. Individual serum samples taken post-mortem were tested for the presence of virus neutralizing antibodies (VNA) using a modified rapid fluorescent focus inhibition test (RFFIT) as described previously (Vos et al, 2004) with.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
