Laboratory Surveillance of Rabies in Humans, Domestic Animals, and Bats in Madagascar from 2005 to 2010

Jean-Marc Reynes,Elisabeth Marie Jeanmaire,Josette Razainirina,Girard Marcelin Razafitrimo,Jean-Michel Heraud,Hervé Bourhy,Soa Fy Andriamandimby

doi:10.4061/2011/727821

Jean-Marc Reynes, Elisabeth Marie Jeanmaire + Show 5 more

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https://doi.org/10.4061/2011/727821

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Abstract

Background. Rabies virus (RABV) has circulated in Madagascar at least since the 19th century. Objectives. To assess the circulation of lyssavirus in the island from 2005 to 2010. Materials and Methods. Animal (including bats) and human samples were tested for RABV and other lyssavirus using antigen, ribonucleic acid (RNA), and antibodies detection and virus isolation. Results. Half of the 437 domestic or tame wild terrestrial mammal brains tested were found RABV antigen positive, including 54% of the 341 dogs tested. This percentage ranged from 26% to 75% across the period. Nine of the 10 suspected human cases tested were laboratory confirmed. RABV circulation was confirmed in 34 of the 38 districts sampled. No lyssavirus RNA was detected in 1983 bats specimens. Nevertheless, antibodies against Lagos bat virus were detected in the sera of 12 among 50 Eidolon dupreanum specimens sampled. Conclusion. More than a century after the introduction of the vaccine, rabies still remains endemic in Madagascar.

Highlights

Animal and human samples were tested for Rabies virus (RABV) and other lyssavirus using antigen, ribonucleic acid (RNA), and antibodies detection and virus isolation
Antibodies against Lagos bat virus were detected in the sera of 12 among 50 Eidolon dupreanum specimens sampled
Rabies is a zoonotic disease caused by 11 viral species belonging to the genus Lyssavirus (Rhabdoviridae family), including the rabies virus (RABV), the most common [1,2,3]

Summary

Introduction

Rabies is a zoonotic disease caused by 11 viral species belonging to the genus Lyssavirus (Rhabdoviridae family), including the rabies virus (RABV), the most common [1,2,3]. These viruses are responsible for a meningoencephalomyelitis in mammals. There is an effective treatment against RABV and closed related lyssaviruses when applied as soon as possible after exposure It prevents the onset of symptom and death and consists of local treatment of the wound, administration of rabies immunoglobulin (if indicated), and vaccinations against rabies [5]. Animal (including bats) and human samples were tested for RABV and other lyssavirus using antigen, ribonucleic acid (RNA), and antibodies detection and virus isolation. More than a century after the introduction of the vaccine, rabies still remains endemic in Madagascar

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