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Whole Genome Sequencing for Rapid Characterization of Rabies Virus Using Nanopore Technology
Published on: August 18, 2023
Rabies in ferret badgers, southeastern China
Shoufeng Zhang1, Qing Tang, Xianfu Wu
1Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Changchun, People's Republic of China.
Emerging Infectious Diseases
|June 16, 2009
Summary
Ferret badger rabies reemerged in China from 2002-2008. Further studies are needed to determine if infected dogs caused this, or if a new ferret badger reservoir emerged.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Human rabies cases linked to ferret badgers were first identified in China in 1994.
- The reemergence of this zoonotic disease necessitates updated epidemiological understanding.
Purpose of the Study:
- To document the reemergence of ferret badger-associated human rabies in China between 2002 and 2008.
- To investigate the potential sources and transmission dynamics of this reemerging rabies strain.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective epidemiologic survey.
- Virus isolation and laboratory diagnosis.
- Nucleotide sequencing for viral characterization.
Main Results:
- Confirmed the reemergence of ferret badger-associated human rabies cases in China during the 2002-2008 period.
- Identified key epidemiological and virological features of the reemerging virus.
Conclusions:
- Ferret badger-associated rabies has reemerged in China.
- Further investigation is required to determine if the cause is spillover from infected dogs or the establishment of a new ferret badger reservoir.
