Rabies virus typing--preliminary survey in Botswana

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Virology
• Epidemiology
• Immunology

Background:

• Rabies virus poses a significant threat to both animal and human health globally.
• Understanding rabies virus subtypes and their epidemiological patterns is crucial for effective control strategies.
• Monoclonal antibody-based subtyping provides a precise method for differentiating rabies virus strains.

Purpose of the Study:

• To survey and characterize rabies virus isolates in Botswana.
• To identify and differentiate rabies virus subtypes present in the region.
• To investigate the association between rabies virus subtypes and their respective animal hosts and geographical distribution.

Main Methods:

• Collection and analysis of rabies virus isolates from Botswana.
• Subtyping of rabies virus isolates using a panel of monoclonal antibodies.
• Correlation of identified subtypes with the geographical distribution of domestic dogs, jackals, felines, and viverrids.

Main Results:

• Two distinct rabies virus subtypes were detected: canine and mongoose.
• The canine subtype was predominantly found in northern and western Botswana, associated with domestic dogs and jackals.
• The mongoose subtype was identified in south-eastern Botswana, linked to felines and viverrids.

Conclusions:

• Botswana harbors at least two distinct rabies virus subtypes with specific epidemiological associations.
• The geographical distribution of these subtypes aligns with the prevalence of their primary animal reservoirs.
• Findings contribute to a better understanding of rabies virus ecology in Southern Africa and inform regional control efforts.