Rabies serum neutralizing antibody in mongooses from Grenada

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Infectious Diseases
• Immunology

Background:

• Rabies poses a significant threat in Grenada, with mongooses acting as a potential reservoir.
• Understanding rabies epidemiology and immune response in mongooses is crucial for public health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate rabies prevalence and antibody titers in Grenada's mongoose population.
• To assess the duration and levels of naturally acquired and vaccine-induced rabies antibodies.

Main Methods:

• Serological testing for rabies serum neutralizing (SN) antibody in wild mongooses.
• Monitoring antibody levels in captive mongooses over time.
• Evaluating antibody response after vaccination with attenuated ERA rabies vaccine.

Main Results:

• Rabies prevalence decreased from 3.5% to 0.6% during 1971-74, while antibody prevalence increased from 20.8% to 43.2%.
• Naturally acquired antibodies persisted for over 35 months in most mongooses.
• Vaccination induced high and sustained antibody titers, with recorded levels up to 1:34,800.

Conclusions:

• Rising antibody prevalence suggests effective rabies control measures or widespread subclinical infection.
• Naturally acquired and vaccine-induced antibodies indicate a robust immune response in mongooses.
• High antibody titers are indicative of recent rabies exposure or vaccination success.