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Detection and Prevalence of Rabies in Bats from Oaxaca
María Isabel Medina Matías1, Margarita García-Luis2,3, Oscar Ezequiel Blanco Esquivel4
1Escuela de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma Benito Juárez de Oaxaca, Av. Universidad s/n Ex Hacienda Cinco Señores, Oaxaca CP 68120, Mexico.
Microorganisms
|June 27, 2025
Summary
Rabies virus persists in Oaxaca bats, with 1.54% prevalence found in vampire bats (Desmodus rotundus). Continued surveillance and public awareness are crucial for managing sylvatic rabies risks.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Virology
- Zoonotic Disease Epidemiology
- Wildlife Health
Background:
- Rabies virus (genus Lyssavirus) is a significant zoonotic threat to humans and animals.
- Mexico has eradicated canine rabies, but sylvatic (wildlife) rabies remains a concern.
- Oaxaca's diverse bat populations, including vampire bats (Desmodus rotundus), are potential reservoirs for Lyssavirus.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of rabies virus in Desmodus rotundus and other non-hematophagous bat species in Oaxaca.
- To assess the role of bats in the transmission cycle of sylvatic rabies in the region.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and data requests to SENASICA (Servicio Nacional de Sanidad, Inocuidad y Calidad Agroalimentaria).
- Fieldwork involving mist-netting bats across 15 municipalities in Oaxaca.
- Direct immunofluorescence diagnostic testing at CENASA (Centro Nacional de Servicios de Diagnóstico en Salud Animal).
Main Results:
- SENASICA reported 89 rabies cases (2014-2023), with most from Oaxaca.
- Analysis of 194 bats (129 Desmodus rotundus) revealed three positive cases (1.54% prevalence).
- Rabies virus was exclusively detected in Desmodus rotundus from San Lucas Ojitlán and Tlaxiaco.
Conclusions:
- The 1.54% prevalence in Oaxaca bats is consistent with national estimates (0.05%-3%).
- Epidemiological surveillance in wild and domestic animals is essential.
- Public awareness campaigns should emphasize bats' ecological roles and rabies risks.
