Abstract
To determine the presence of European bat lyssavirus type 1 in southern Spain, we studied 19 colonies of serotine bats (Eptesicus isabellinus), its main reservoir, during 1998–2003. Viral genome and antibodies were detected in healthy bats, which suggests subclinical infection. The different temporal patterns of circulation found in each colony indicate independent endemic circulation.
Highlights
To determine the presence of European bat lyssavirus type 1 in southern Spain, we studied 19 colonies of serotine bats (Eptesicus isabellinus), its main reservoir, during 1998–2003
High seroprevalence and presence of viral RNA in the oral cavity and bloodstream of different lyssavirus species have been reported in healthy bats captured in natural colonies in which the numbers of deaths have not increased [3,4,5], showing direct evidence of subclinical or asymptomatic disease after viral infection
We focused on this region because all European bat lyssavirus type 1 (EBLV1) cases reported in Spain were from southern Spain
Summary
To determine the presence of European bat lyssavirus type 1 in southern Spain, we studied 19 colonies of serotine bats (Eptesicus isabellinus), its main reservoir, during 1998–2003. In 1989, 5 EBLV1-infected serotine bats were found dead during a survey of natural colonies in Huelva (Andalusia). High seroprevalence and presence of viral RNA in the oral cavity and bloodstream of different lyssavirus species have been reported in healthy bats captured in natural colonies in which the numbers of deaths have not increased [3,4,5], showing direct evidence of subclinical or asymptomatic disease after viral infection.
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