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First isolation of EBLV-2 in Germany
Conrad Freuling1, Ernst Grossmann, Franz J Conraths
1Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, WHO Collaborating Centre for Rabies Surveillance and Research, 16868 Wusterhausen, Germany. Conrad.Freuling@fli.bund.de
Veterinary Microbiology
|April 22, 2008
Summary
The first detection of European Bat Lyssavirus type 2 (EBLV-2) in Germany is reported in a Daubenton's bat. This finding is crucial for understanding rabies transmission and public health risks in wildlife.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Virology
- Zoonotic Diseases
- Wildlife Health
Background:
- Rabies in European bats is primarily caused by European Bat Lyssavirus (EBLV) types 1 and 2.
- EBLV-1 is the predominant genotype, while EBLV-2 has been rarely detected in specific European countries.
- Human spill-over infections of EBLV can result in fatal rabies encephalitis, underscoring the public health significance of bat rabies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the first confirmed case of European Bat Lyssavirus type 2 (EBLV-2) infection in a bat in Germany.
- To characterize the isolated virus and determine its phylogenetic relationship to other EBLV-2 strains.
Main Methods:
- Detection of rabies virus in a Daubenton's bat exhibiting neurological symptoms.
- Virus isolation and characterization using antigen profiling and nucleotide sequencing.
- Phylogenetic analysis of the viral genome.
Main Results:
- The first case of EBLV-2 in Germany was identified in a Daubenton's bat (Myotis daubentonii).
- The isolated virus was confirmed as EBLV-2 through antigen and sequence analysis.
- Phylogenetic analysis revealed a close relationship between the German EBLV-2 isolate and strains from Switzerland.
Conclusions:
- The presence of EBLV-2 in Germany expands the known geographical distribution of this lyssavirus genotype.
- The findings suggest potential viral circulation and transmission pathways between bat populations in neighboring regions, such as Germany and Switzerland.
- This case highlights the importance of ongoing surveillance for lyssaviruses in wildlife populations for public health protection.
