rabies virus

Other Scientific Names

• rhabdovirus

International Common Names

• English: rabies virus serotype 1

• Domain: Virus
•     Group: "Positive sense ssRNA viruses"
•         Group: "RNA viruses"
•             Order: Mononegavirales
•                 Family: Rhabdoviridae
•                     Genus: Lyssavirus
•                         Species: rabies virus

Six distinct genetic lineages can be distinguished within the genus Lyssavirus by cross-protection tests (Smith et al., 1973; Baer, 1991), namely the true rabies virus itself (serotype 1), Lagos bat virus (serotype 2), Mokola rhabdovirus (serotype 3), and Duvenhage rhabdovirus (serotype 4). The European bat lyssaviruses (EBL), subdivided into two biotypes, EBL1 and EBL2, are also members of the Lyssavirus genus, but are not yet classified into serotypes. Viruses of serotypes 2-4 and EBL are known as rabies-related viruses. The use of monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) directed against viral nucleocapsid or glycoprotein antigens, and the sequencing of defined genomic areas has made possible the definition of numerous subtypes within each serotype.

The identification of the agent can be made in specialized laboratories by identifying variant virus strains through the use of monoclonal antisera, specific nucleic acid probes, or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by DNA sequencing. Such techniques can distinguish between field and vaccine strains, and may possibly identify the geographical origin of the field strains (Diaz et al., 1994; Roehe et al., 1997).

Rabies virus is destroyed rapidly at temperatures >50°C, survives no more than a few hours at room temperature, and can be destroyed by conventional disinfectants. However, the virus can persist for weeks in brain tissue in carcasses and for years in frozen tissues.

Disease(s) associated with this pathogen is/are on the list of diseases notifiable to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE). The distribution section contains data from OIE's Handistatus database on disease occurrence. Please see the AHPC library for further information from OIE, including the International Animal Health Code and the Manual of Standards for Diagnostic Tests and Vaccines. Also see the website: www.oie.int.