Rabies virus typing--preliminary survey in Botswana

A survey was made of the subtypes of rabies isolates made in Botswana using monoclonal antibodies. Two subtypes were detected, termed canine and mongoose. The canine subtype predominated in the north and west and appeared to be related to the distribution of both the domestic dog and wild jackal. The mongoose subtype was found in the south-east and was associated with feline and viverrid wildlife. The geographical distribution also matched reports of isolates examined in the neighbouring countries.