Molecular epidemiological analysis of wild animal rabies isolates from India.

Gundallhalli Bayyappa Manjunatha Reddy,Sobharani Vineetha,Basavaraj Sajjanar,Rajendra Singh,Karam Pal Singh,Mani Saminathan,Anil Kumar Sharma

doi:10.14202/vetworld.2019.352-357

Abstract

Aim:This study was conducted to know the genetic variability of rabies viruses (RVs) from wild animals in India.Materials and Methods:A total of 20 rabies suspected brain samples of wild animals from different states of India were included in the study. The samples were subjected for direct fluorescent antibody test (dFAT), reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and quantitative reverse transcriptase real-time PCR (RT-qPCR). The phylogenetic analysis of partial nucleoprotein gene sequences was performed.Results:Of 20 samples, 11, 10, and 12 cases were found positive by dFAT, RT-PCR, and RT-qPCR, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis showed that all Indian wild RVs isolates belonged to classical genotype 1 of Lyssavirus and were closely related to Arctic/Arctic-like single cluster indicating the possibility of a spillover of rabies among different species.Conclusion:The results indicated the circulation of similar RVs in sylvatic and urban cycles in India. However, understanding the role of wild animals as reservoir host needs to be studied in India.

Highlights

Rabies is enzootic and is a serious public health and economic problem in India
Phylogenetic analysis showed that all Indian wild rabies viruses (RVs) isolates belonged to classical genotype 1 of Lyssavirus and were closely related to Arctic/Arctic-like single cluster indicating the possibility of a spillover of rabies among different species
The results indicated the circulation of similar RVs in sylvatic and urban cycles in India

Summary

Introduction

Rabies virus (RV) belongs to phylogroup I of genus Lyssavirus and family Rhabdoviridae. Of the 14 distinct species recognized within the genus Lyssavirus, the classical RV is the most prevalent and widely distributed [1]. Dog-mediated rabies account to nearly 20,000 human deaths per year in India and are considered as principal reservoir hosts followed by cats and other wild animals [2,3]. 21 cases of human rabies have been reported in Edakkad, Kannur district, Kerala, India, due to mongoose bite. This is the first report from India on a massive attack of humans by mongoose and rabies transmission [4]

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