[Study of the antigenic relationship of different strains of the rabies group viruses]

In neutralization tests in animals close antigenic relationship between human virus of acute encephalomyelitis (AEM) and viruses (297 and 598 SG strains) isolated from wild rodents in Czechoslovakia was first established. At the same time, poor antigenic relationship of human AEM virus to viruses isolated in Africa from bats (Lagos bat) and from shrews (YbAn 27377) was demonstrated. Certain differences in the antigenic properties of viruses isolated in Africa and in Czechoslovakia were found. These studies indicate the existence of many varieties in the rabies virus group. Ferther accumulation of data concerning different viruses of the rabies group is necessary as they may be helpful for elucidation of the pathology of certain neuroinfections due to viruses of this group as well as for creation of the necessary collection of the investigated strains for preparation of rabies vaccines.