MedWorm: Rabies

Angola: Over 5,000 Pets to Be Vaccinated in Bengo

AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 13:20:23 +0100

About 5,000 animals, among dogs, cats and monkeys will be vaccinated against rabies in northern province of Bengo under a campaign that opened Friday at Bula-Atumba district. (Source: AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine)

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Angola: Vaccination Campaign Against Rabies Next Week in Luanda

AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 15:25:51 +0100

A broad campaign of vaccination against rabies in Luanda will be held as from next week. (Source: AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine)

What Is Rabies? What Causes Rabies?

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100

Rabies is a deadly virus. It is usually transmitted through saliva from the bite of an infected animal, into the bloodstream. The rabies virus is an infection of the central nervous system and causes inflammation of the brain. It is zoonotic, meaning it is transmitted by animals. If treated immediately after a bite, it is possible to prevent rabies. Once a person begins showing signs and symptoms of rabies, the disease is nearly always fatal. For that reason, vaccines to stop the rabies virus from infecting the body are given to anyone who may have a risk of contracting rabies... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

What Is Rabies? What Causes Rabies?

Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses News From Medical News Today — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100

Identification of SARS-like coronaviruses in horseshoe bats (Rhinolophus hipposideros) in Slovenia

Archives of Virology — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:03:52 +0100

In this study, samples were collected from 106 live bats of seven different bat species from 27 different locations in Slovenia. Coronaviruses were detected by RT-PCR in 14 out of 36 horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus hipposideros) fecal samples, with 38.8% virus prevalence. Sequence analysis of a 405-nucleotide region of the highly conserved RNA polymerase gene (pol) showed that all coronaviruses detected in this study are genetically closely related, with 99.5–100% nucleotide identity, and belong to group 2 of the coronaviruses. The most closely related virus sequence in GenBank was SARS bat isolate Rp3/2004 (DQ071615) within the SARS-like CoV cluster, sharing 85% nucleotide identity and 95.6% amino acid identity. The potential risk of a new group of bat coronaviruses as a reservoir for ...

Horse transmitted diseases

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:01 +0100

This educational brochure on zoonotic diseases (diseases transmitted between animals and people) and in particular horse transmitted diseases is authored by Professor Roberta M. Dwyer, DVM, MS, DACVPM, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky College of Agriculture. Published as part of the University of Kentucky Saddle Up Safely campaign this booklet covers salmonellosis, ringworm, rabies, anthrax, rain rot, brucellosis, leptospirosis, cryptosporidiosis, and vesicular stomatitis. Advice and guidance on disease prevention and precautions and specific information for immunocompromised people is provided. Published in 2010. (Source: Latest Internet resources added to Intute: Health and LifenSciences veterinary gateway)

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Vets Welcome Extension To UK Pet Travel Protection

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 21:00:00 +0100

The European Parliament has voted 618 votes to 17 for an extension to the transitional arrangements contained within the regulation on the non-commercial movement of pet animals (Reg. 998/2003) which afford the UK additional protection against rabies, ticks and tapeworms. The British Veterinary Association (BVA) and British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) have been lobbying MEPs to support the extension and have strongly welcomed this decision... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Vets Welcome Extension To UK Pet Travel Protection

Veterinary News From Medical News Today — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 21:00:00 +0100

Characteristics of biting animals submitted to rabies diagnosis, São Paulo State, Brazil, 1993-2007. - Buso DS, Nunes CM, Queiroz LH.

SafetyLit: All (Unduplicated) — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 15:34:45 +0100

Epidemiological factors related to animal bites in humans and other animals were obtained from a database with 10,616 records of animal specimens sent for rabies diagnosis in northwest São Paulo State, Brazil, from 1993 to 2007. Of this total, 61.5% conta... (Source: SafetyLit: All (Unduplicated))

Reconstruction and expression of the MRI-contrast protein, ferritin, with recombinant rabies vectors.

Biotechnology Letters — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

In this study, the gene of a biomolecular contrast agent, ferritin, was successfully cloned into two rabies virus vectors, vaccine-based pCTN and street strain-based pNH. Recombinant virus granules were obtained and proved to express ferritin by RT-PCR after transfection of CTN-ferritin and NH-ferritin vector systems in BHK-21 cells. The recovered rabies virus-rCTN-ferritin was of similar ability to rNH-ferritin, which suggests the possibility of application of this safe and effective rabies vector system in delivery of diagnostic or therapeutic genes into the brain. PMID: 20213528 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Biotechnology Letters)

Management and Outcomes after Multiple Corneal and Solid Organ Transplantations from a Donor Infected with Rabies Virus

Clinical Infectious Diseases Latest Issue — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 08:04:16 +0100

This article describes multiple transmissions of rabies via transplanted solid organ from a single infected donor. The empirical Milwaukee treatment regimen was used in the recipients. Methods. Symptomatic patients were treated by deep sedation (ketamine, midazolam, and phenobarbital), ribavirin, interferon, and active and passive vaccination. Viral loads and antibodies were continuously monitored. Results. Recipients of both cornea and liver transplants developed no symptoms. The recipient of the liver transplant had been vaccinated ∼20 years before transplantation. Two recipients of kidney and lung transplants developed rabies and died within days of symptomatic disease. Another kidney recipient was treated 7 weeks before he died. The cerebrospinal fluid viral load remained at co...

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Zoonoses report : United Kingdom 2008

Sat, 06 Mar 2010 03:30:00 +0100

Published by the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) in 2010, this 92-page Annual Report on Zoonoses in the United Kingdom presents a summary of the trends and sources of zoonotic infection in humans, animals, food and feedstuffs in the UK in 2008, and also includes data from early 2009. The contents include a preface, executive summary, introduction, sections on major foodborne and waterborne zoonoses, notifiable zoonotic diseases of animals, other zoonoses, and appendices. Organisms and diseases covered include Campylobacter, Salmonella, E. coli, Cryptospridium, bovine tuberculosis, brucellosis, anthrax, rabies, transmissible spongiform encephalopathies including BSE and CJD, avian influenza, West Nile virus, leptospirosis, listeriosis, Lyme borreliosis, Q fever, an...

Spatial clustering in the spatio-temporal dynamics of endemic cholera

BMC Infectious Diseases — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The clustering of cases supports an important role of secondary transmission in the dynamics of cholera epidemics in Matlab, Bangladesh. The spatial clustering of cases relative to water sources, and its timing, suggests an effective role of water reservoirs during the onset of cholera outbreaks. Once primary transmission has initiated an outbreak, secondary transmission takes over and plays a fundamental role in shaping the epidemics in this endemic area. (Source: BMC Infectious Diseases)

Evolutionary history of African mongoose rabies.

Virus Research — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

The objective of this study was to investigate the molecular phylogeny of representative RABV isolates of the mongoose variant towards a better understanding of the origins of this group. The study was based on an analysis of the full nucleoprotein and glycoprotein gene sequences of a panel of 27 viruses. Phylogenetic analysis of this dataset confirmed extended evolutionary adaptation of isolates in specific geographic areas. The evolutionary dynamics of this virus variant was investigated using Bayesian methodology, allowing for rate variation among viral lineages. Molecular clock analysis estimated the age of the African mongoose RABV to be approximately 200 years old, which is in concurrence with literature describing rabies in mongooses since the early 1800's. PMID: 20214938 [PubMe...

Temporal and Spatial Dynamics of Rabies Viruses in China and Southeast Asia.

Virus Research — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Gong W, Jiang Y, Za Y, Zeng Z, Shao M, Fan J, Sun Y, Xiong Z, Yu X, Tu C Phylogenetic studies have revealed a profound understanding about the biodiversity of rabies viruses in China, but little is known about their evolutionary dynamics in the country. In the present study, the complete G gene sequences of 33 rabies virus isolates (RABVs) isolated from distinct Chinese provinces were determined and phylogenetic analysis was conducted using these G sequences and 93 others retrieved from GenBank representing China and Southeast Asia. Further evolutionary history of RABV was estimated using a Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo method to understand the temporal and spatial dynamics of this virus. Results showed that rabies viruses in China and Southeast Asia share a common ancesto...

Production of glycoprotein-deleted rabies viruses for monosynaptic tracing and high-level gene expression in neurons

Nature Protocols — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Ian R Wickersham, Heather A Sullivan & H Sebastian Seung (Source: Nature Protocols)

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Angola: Health Experts Attend Seminar on Epidemiological Emergency

AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 22:49:21 +0100

Over 30 health technicians in the province of Namibe participate from 01 to 06 March at a training seminar for municipal emergency teams, with the aim of preventing epidemics such as cholera, acute diarrhoeic and rabies diseases. (Source: AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine)

Terrestrial rabies and human postexposure prophylaxis, new york, USA.

Emerging Infectious Diseases — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Eidson M, Bingman AK During 1993-2002, cats accounted for 2.7% of rabid terrestrial animals in New York but for one third of human exposure incidents and treatments. Nonbite exposures and animals of undetermined rabies status accounted for 54% and 56%, respectively, of persons receiving rabies treatments. PMID: 20202438 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Emerging Infectious Diseases)

Etymologia: yersinia.

Emerging Infectious Diseases — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Alexandre Yersin BW This genus of gram-negative bacteria was named after bacteriologist Alexandre-Emile-John Yersin (1863-1943). Born in Switzerland, he studied medicine in Paris and began a successful early career in the laboratory. He worked on rabies with Pierre Roux and on the tubercle bacillus under Robert Koch in Germany. He later worked at the Institut Pasteur on the toxic properties of the diphtheria bacillus and eventually signed on as a doctor on a ship headed for Saigon and Manila. In 1894, while he still worked for a French shipping company, he investigated an outbreak of plague in Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, People's Republic of China. After 7 days in a makeshift laboratory, he isolated the plague bacterium, which he called Pasteurella pestis. PMI...

Presumptive Abortive Human Rabies --- Texas, 2009

CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 13:40:10 +0100

(Source: CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report)

Texas Girl Recovers From Rabies Without Intensive Care

MedicineNet Skin General — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 07:00:00 +0100

Title: Texas Girl Recovers From Rabies Without Intensive CareCategory: Health NewsCreated: 2/25/2010 12:10:00 PMLast Editorial Review: 2/26/2010 (Source: MedicineNet Skin General)

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Texas Girl Recovers From Rabies Without Intensive Care

MedicineNet Hepatitis C General — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 07:00:00 +0100

Title: Texas Girl Recovers From Rabies Without Intensive CareCategory: Health NewsCreated: 2/25/2010 12:10:00 PMLast Editorial Review: 2/26/2010 (Source: MedicineNet Hepatitis C General)

Texas Girl Recovers From Rabies Without Intensive Care

MedicineNet Migraine General — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 07:00:00 +0100

Title: Texas Girl Recovers From Rabies Without Intensive CareCategory: Health NewsCreated: 2/25/2010 12:10:00 PMLast Editorial Review: 2/26/2010 (Source: MedicineNet Migraine General)

Presumptive abortive human rabies --- Texas, 2009.

MMWR Morb Mortal Wkl... — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

This report describes the clinical course and laboratory findings of an adolescent girl with encephalitis who had not had rabies vaccination and who had been exposed to bats 2 months before illness. Antibodies to rabies virus were detected in specimens of the girl's serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) by indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFA). However, the presence of rabies VNA was not detected until after she had received single doses of rabies vaccine and human rabies immune globulin (HRIG). Although the patient required multiple hospitalizations and follow-up visits for recurrent neurologic symptoms, she survived without intensive care. No alternate etiology was determined, and abortive human rabies (defined in this report as recovery from rabies without intensive care) was diagnosed...

Mapping of neural pathways that influence diaphragm activity and project to the lumbar spinal cord in cats.

Experimental Brain Research — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Rice CD, Weber SA, Waggoner AL, Jessell ME, Yates BJ During breathing, the diaphragm and abdominal muscles contract out of phase. However, during other behaviors (including vomiting, postural adjustments, and locomotion) simultaneous contractions are required of the diaphragm and other muscle groups including abdominal muscles. Recent studies in cats using transneuronal tracing techniques showed that in addition to neurons in the respiratory groups, cells in the inferior and lateral vestibular nuclei (VN) and medial pontomedullary reticular formation (MRF) influence diaphragm activity. The goal of the present study was to determine whether neurons in these regions have collateralized projections to both diaphragm motoneurons and the lumbar spinal cord. For this purpose, the tr...

Molecular Epidemiology of Rabies in Romania provides evidence for a high degree of heterogeneity and virus diversity.

Virus Research — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

In this study, we analyzed a cohort of 64 rabies viruses isolated from infected animals in Romania collected between 2005 and 2008. Partial nucleoprotein sequence data (322bp) were obtained and compared to a panel of available sequence data of Eurasian classical rabies virus (genotype 1) isolates. The Romanian sequences were identified as belonging to the cosmopolitan lineage of rabies viruses that have been reported throughout the world. The sequences showed a high degree of heterogeneity and six different lineages were identified. Single isolates clustered with the formerly established Eastern European group, the North Eastern European group or with isolates from the Southwest of Russia. However two lineages were unique to Romania. This sequence diversity is unprecedented in European cou...

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Vaccine For Diabetes Possible This Decade, Says Report

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 09:00:00 +0100

In the not-too-distant future we could see diabetes, the seventh leading cause of death in the U.S., treated with a vaccine. Several vaccine candidates are in the pipeline, creating a possible $2.4 billion market for diabetes vaccine products by 2020, according to healthcare market research publisher Kalorama Information, who recently published a survey of emerging vaccine products titled: "What's Next in Vaccines? HIV, Malaria, Rabies, MRSA, and 30 Other Vaccine Targets in the 2010-2020 Pipeline." Type I diabetes currently afflicts 35,000 people in the U.S... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Rabid Raccoon In Baldwin County Prompts Reminders To Immunize Pets - Alabama Department Of Public Health

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 11:00:00 +0100

The diagnosis of a rabid raccoon in the Silverhill area in Baldwin County has prompted public officials to encourage pet owners to be sure their dogs, cats and ferrets are vaccinated against the fatal disease. Charlotte Plumb, environmental supervisor with the Baldwin County Health Department, said, "We strongly caution people not to approach stray animals, wildlife and bats." Rabies is a disease of all mammals, including man, and is fatal if specialized anti-rabies treatment is not obtained immediately... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Vaccination program for NYC raccoons

Health News - UPI.com — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 04:51:07 +0100

NEW YORK, Feb. 16 (UPI) -- Raccoons in and around Central Park in Manhattan will be vaccinated against rabies, New York City health department officials said Tuesday. (Source: Health News - UPI.com)

Terrestrial Rabies and Human Postexposure Prophylaxis, New York, USA, M. Eidson and A.K. Bingman

Emerging Infectious Diseases Journal — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 17:00:00 +0100

(Source: Emerging Infectious Diseases Journal)

Researchers Reveal 3-D Structure Of Bullet-Shaped Virus With Potential To Fight Cancer, HIV

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 08:00:00 +0100

Vesicular stomatitis virus, or VSV, has long been a model system for studying and understanding the life cycle of negative-strand RNA viruses, which include viruses that cause influenza, measles and rabies. More importantly, research has shown that VSV has the potential to be genetically modified to serve as an anti-cancer agent, exercising high selectivity in killing cancer cells while sparing healthy cells, and as a potent vaccine against HIV. For such modifications to occur, however, scientists must have an accurate picture of the virus's structure... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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Researchers Reveal 3-D Structure Of Bullet-Shaped Virus With Potential To Fight Cancer, HIV

Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 08:00:00 +0100

A Promising Vaccine for Rabies Post-Exposure Prophylaxis in Developing Countries--Purified Vero Cell Vaccine Produced in China.

Clinical and Vaccine Immunology — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Wang C, Zhang X, Song Q, Tang K We evaluated the immunogenicity, safety, antibody persistence of a vero cell rabies vaccine manufactured in China, compared with Verorab. Adequate titers of antibody were observed between the two vaccines. ChengDa rabies vaccine could be a promising alternative vaccine for many developing countries which could not afford expensive rabies vaccines. PMID: 20147495 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Clinical and Vaccine Immunology)

Researchers reveal 3-D structure of bullet-shaped virus with potential to fight cancer, HIV

UCLA Newsroom: Health Sciences — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 08:00:00 +0100

Diagnostic Testing for Encephalitis, Part II

Clinical Microbiology Newsletter — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 16:49:22 +0100

Abstract: Encephalitis is characterized by both its pleomorphic clinical presentation and its diagnostic challenges. Fever, headache, and alteration of consciousness are classically present, however, the diversity of neurological symptoms can make it difficult to distinguish encephalitis from other infectious and non-infectious central nervous system conditions. Identification of a specific pathogen has important therapeutic and prognostic implications for an individual patient and has broader public health significance in potentially identifying a need for prophylaxis of contacts or environmental control of arthropod vectors. In Part I of this article, the basic features of encephalitis and aspects of diagnostic testing for encephalitis caused by herpes simplex virus, the non-simplex...

VSV in 3D

This Week in Science — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 16:19:58 +0100

Rhabdoviruses are a family of negative-stranded RNA viruses that includes rabies virus, which have a characteristic bullet shape. Though structures of individual rhabdovirus proteins have been reported, how these are … [Read more] (Source: This Week in Science)

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Billion Dollar Market For Malaria Vaccine Products Should Interest Drug Developers

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 09:00:00 +0100

With increased attention on finding a cure for the scourge of malaria, recently highlighted by the announcement of a large research and development grant from the Bill Gates Foundation, and with several candidates already in the pipeline, there could be a $1 billion market for malaria vaccine products by 2017, according to healthcare market research publisher Kalorama Information, which recently published a survey of emerging vaccine products titled: "What's Next in Vaccines? HIV, Malaria, Rabies, MRSA, and 30 Other Vaccine Targets in the 2010-2020 Pipeline... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

School of Medicine Researchers Find That New Malaria Vaccine They're Testing is Safe and Protective in Young Children

University of Maryland School of Medicine News Headlines — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Global Partnership Enabled Testing in Mali, West Africa, Where Malaria Threat is High A new vaccine to prevent the deadly malaria infection has shown promise to protect the most vulnerable patients — young children — against the disease, according to an international team of researchers. The team was led by the University of Maryland School of Medicine’s Center for Vaccine Development (CVD) and the Malaria Research and Training Center at the University of Bamako in Mali, West Africa. In a new study of the vaccine in young children in Mali, researchers found it stimulated strong and long-lasting immune responses. In fact, the antibody levels the vaccine produced in the children were as high or even higher than the antibody levels found in adults who have naturally developed protect...

Billion Dollar Market For Malaria Vaccine Products Should Interest Drug Developers

Pharmaceutical Online News — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 06:15:00 +0100

With increased attention on finding a cure for the scourge of malaria, recently highlighted by the announcement of a large research and development grant from the Bill Gates Foundation, and with several candidates already in the pipeline, there could be a $1B market for malaria vaccine products by 2017, according to healthcare market research publisher Kalorama Information, which recently published a survey of emerging vaccine products titled: "What's Next in Vaccines? HIV, Malaria, Rabies, MRSA, and 30 Other Vaccine Targets in the 2010-2020 Pipeline." (Source: Pharmaceutical Online News)

Aggression and rabid coyotes, massachusetts, USA.

Emerging Infectious Diseases — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Wang X, Brown CM, Smole S, Werner BG, Han L, Farris M, Demaria A To the Editor: In 1959, coyotes (Canis latrans) were found in only 3 Massachusetts towns, but by 2007, their population was estimated at 10,000 and they were present throughout the state, except on the islands of Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket (1). The coyote is highly adaptable and readily tolerates living near humans (2). Because the raccoon rabies virus (RRV) variant is endemic to Massachusetts and spillover into the coyote population occurs (3), coyotes are a potential source of rabies exposure for humans. Rabies in coyotes has emerged in Massachusetts at the same time that coyote and human populations have increased. From 1985 through 2008, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health tested coyotes by fol...

Addressing feral and wild animal threats during deployment: the distinction between animal control and rabies control. - Dunton RF, Sargent GR.

SafetyLit: All (Unduplicated) — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 15:35:11 +0100

Feral and wild animal control is a critical component of force health protection during troop deployments. The primary goal of animal control during a military deployment is to limit human injury or disease by reducing the likelihood of human-animal contac... (Source: SafetyLit: All (Unduplicated))

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Officials warn of rabies outbreak in Central Park

CNN.com - Health — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 21:27:07 +0100

Authorities and medical experts warned Friday that a rabies outbreak in Central Park could spread from raccoons to humans. (Source: CNN.com - Health)

Rabies: Post exposure prophylaxis for the health care workers

Indian Journal of Pediatrics — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 20:01:08 +0100

Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Scientific Letters to the EditorDOI 10.1007/s12098-009-0325-5Authors Suksham Jain, Government Medical College & Hospital Chandigarh IndiaVeena R. Parwar, Government Medical College & Hospital Chandigarh India Journal Indian Journal of PediatricsOnline ISSN 0973-7693Print ISSN 0019-5456 Journal Volume Volume 76 Journal Issue Volume 76, Number 12 / December, 2009 (Source: Indian Journal of Pediatrics)

Overview, Prevention, and Treatment of Rabies

Medscape Today Headlines — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 12:04:37 +0100

Human rabies infection is usually fatal and universally feared. Recent issues regarding rabies virus transmission and recommendations for pre- and postexposure prophylaxis and treatment are discussed. Pharmacotherapy (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

Rabies vaccination recommended before travel to South America

Monsters and Critics Health News — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 04:04:52 +0100

(Source: Monsters and Critics Health News)

Characterization of a rabies virus isolate from a ferret badger (Melogale moschata) with unique molecular differences in glycoprotein antigenic site III.

Virus Research — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Zhang S, Zhao J, Liu Y, Fooks AR, Zhang F, Hu R Rabies virus was isolated from the brain of a Chinese ferret badger (Melogale moschata) and identified as having an R333Q substitution within its glycoprotein antigenic site III. Additionally, compared with vaccine strains and other rabies virus isolates from dogs and ferret badgers in China, the isolate had five other amino acid substitutions in its glycoprotein: P(-17)L in the signal peptide, R88H, L225M, and D422E in the ectoplasmic region, and G478E in the cytoplasmic region. This isolate possessed high virulence in suckling, weanling and adult mice. These data indicate that this is a unique rabies virus with a molecular signature that differentiates it from other strains circulating in terrestrial mammals in China. We propos...

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Gambia: Veterinary Dept. Offers Free Anti-Rabies Vaccination

AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 14:03:58 +0100

The director of Veterinary and livestock Services Department, Dr. Kebba Daffeh has revealed that his Department is currently offering free vaccination for dogs against rabies free of charge. (Source: AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine)

Neutralizing antibody response after intradermal rabies vaccination in hemodialysis patients.

Vaccine — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

In conclusion, chronic HD patients receiving adequate dialysis have excellent protective immunological response after intradermal post-exposure rabies vaccination as WHO recommendation. PMID: 20085837 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Vaccine)

Development of a reverse genetics system for a human rabies virus vaccine strain employed in China.

Virus Research — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

In this study, we describe the development of a reverse genetics system for the CTN rabies virus strain. The recombinant full-length genomic cDNA was flanked by a hammerhead ribozyme (HamRz) and the hepatitis delta virus ribozyme (HdvRz) while the non-coding G-L region was replaced with a green fluorescent protein (GFP) gene. A set of helper plasmids encoding nucleoprotein (N), phosphoprotein (P) and Large protein (L) were constructed and co-transfected with recombinant full-length genome plasmid into BHK-21 cells. Recombinant virus was successfully recovered from cloned cDNA under control of the CMV promoter driven by RNA polymerase II. The recombinant virus, CTN-GFP, stably expressed GFP as detected by fluorescence microscopy. A group of 1-day-old suckling mice was challenged with the CT...

Recurrent opisthotonus in catatonia: An atypical presentation

Indian Journal of Medical Sciences — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 15:37:06 +0100

Manjunatha Narayana, Mehta Urvakhsh Meherwan, John PIndian Journal of Medical Sciences 2009 63(11):512-516Opisthotonus is known to occur in tetanus, rabies, cerebral malaria, neurosyphilis, acute cerebral injury and other medical conditions. Opisthotonus, so far, has not been reported in any major psychiatric disorder. Authors report a case of recurrent opisthotonus presenting concurrently with other catatonic signs which showed dramatic response to combination of lorazepam and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Clinicians should consider the possibility of catatonia in the differential diagnosis of opisthotonus since catatonia can be treated easily with benzodiazepines and ECT. (Source: Indian Journal of Medical Sciences)

Rabies shots not mandatory for bat-in-bedroom meetings

CTV Health — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 13:20:02 +0100

A new Canadian policy says people who wake up to discover a bat in their bedroom no longer have to endure rabies shots by default. (Source: CTV Health)

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Functional analysis of Rousettus aegyptiacus "Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 1" (STAT1).

Developmental and Comparative Immunology — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

In this study, we focused on STAT1, one of the critical components in interferon (IFN)-signaling and antiviral activity, which is often targeted by viral proteins to reduce antiviral activity and increase viral replication. We found that Rousettus aegyptiacus STAT1 (bat STAT1) is phosphorylatable and translocates to the nucleus when stimulated with human IFN-alpha (hIFN-alpha). Furthermore, phosphorylation of bat STAT1 and inhibition of nuclear translocation was observed in IFN-stimulated cells infected with the HEP-Flury strain of rabies virus, in the same manner as in other mammals. Additionally, quantitative real-time RT-PCR revealed that bat STAT1 mRNA was highly expressed in the liver, while low in muscle and spleen. PMID: 20067804 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Deve...

A novel canine favored CpG oligodeoxynucleotide capable of enhancing the efficacy of an inactivated aluminum-adjuvanted rabies vaccine of dog use.

Vaccine — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Ren J, Sun L, Yang L, Wang H, Wan M, Zhang P, Yu H, Guo Y, Yu Y, Wang L In order to develop novel canine CpG ODNs as adjuvant for rabies vaccine of dog use, a panel of CpG ODNs containing different CpG motifs was designed and screened for their ability to induce the proliferation of canine splenocytes. Three AACGTT motif-containing CpG ODNs, designated as YW07, YW08 and YW09, respectively, were outshined with stronger ability to activate canine immune cells. The CpG ODNs were tested for their adjuvant activity for rabies vaccine in mice and dogs. It was found that YW07 could facilitate the rabies vaccine to induce more vigorous and long-lasting specific antibody response in mice and dogs, respectively. These findings suggest that YW07, a canine favored CpG ODN, could be used a...

Pre-exposure immunization against rabies using Japanese rabies vaccine following the WHO recommended schedule

Journal of Infection and Chemotherapy — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 21:39:13 +0100

We examined the efficacy and safety of the Japanese purified chick embryo cell rabies vaccine (PCEC-K) when administered on days 0, 7, and 28, as recommended by the WHO. Post-vaccination serum samples were obtained from 53 human subjects, and rabies antibody titers were determined by a combination of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and neutralizing antibody (NA) assay. By day 42 of the experiment, which was 2 weeks after the third dose, all subjects had developed NA titers of 0.5 IU/ml or higher. The geometric mean titers of ELISA antibody and NA were 3.8 EU/ml and 5.7 IU/ml, respectively. Overall, the vaccine was well tolerated by all subjects. These results suggest that PCEC-K used for pre-exposure immunization according to the WHO schedule is as immun...

Effect of Serial Subculturing on the Genetic Composition and Cytotoxic Activity of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Journal of Medical Microbiology — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Molina-Torres C, Castro-Garza J, Ocampo-Candiani J, Monot M, Cole ST, Vera-Cabrera L Continuous subculture has been observed to produce changes in the virulence of microorganisms, e.g. rabies virus, poliovirus, and Mycobacterium bovis BCG. The latter has been used as a vaccine for tuberculosis for the last 100 years, however in some instances its efficacy has been observed to be very low. In order to determine if similar changes can be produced in M. tuberculosis, we selected four isolates, M. tuberculosis H37Rv, a Beijing strain (DR-689), and two more isolates with deletion of the phospholipase C locus (plcA-plcB-plcC) and subjected to them to serial culturing on Middlebrock 7H9 medium, with or without ox bile. After 100 passages we performed RFLP-IS6110 analysis to determine...

Arizona Charts Record Number Of Rabid Animals In 2009

Health News from Medical News Today — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 08:00:00 +0100

Arizona marked a historic milestone with the number of rabid animals in 2009. One case in particular, of a rabid bobcat walking into a bar, sounded more like the beginning of a joke, but highlighted the importance of rabies awareness. So far 261 animals tested positive for rabies, 85 more than 2008. During the record breaking year, two counties established quarantines, another first for the state. "There is no sign of rabies letting up in many parts of the state," said Craig Levy, Vector-Borne Disease Program Manager... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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Arizona Charts Record Number Of Rabid Animals In 2009

Veterinary News From Medical News Today — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 08:00:00 +0100

Health Tip: Help Prevent Rabies

Forbes.com Health News — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 14:00:00 +0100

Here's what you can do (Source: Forbes.com Health News)

Health Tip: Help Prevent Rabies

MedlinePlus Health News — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 14:00:00 +0100

Here's what you can do Source: HealthDay Related MedlinePlus Topic: Rabies (Source: MedlinePlus Health News)

Health Tip: Help Prevent Rabies

MedicineNet Hepatitis C General — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 07:00:00 +0100

Title: Health Tip: Help Prevent RabiesCategory: Health NewsCreated: 12/30/2009 8:10:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 12/30/2009 (Source: MedicineNet Hepatitis C General)

RABAVERT (Rabies Vaccine) Injection, Powder, Lyophilized, For Suspension [Novartis Vaccines And Diagnostics GmbH Co. KG]

DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST) — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 05:00:00 +0100

Updated Date: Dec 30, 2009 EST (Source: DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST))

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Rabies scare leaves 41 hospitalized in Moscow

Monsters and Critics Health News — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 11:04:54 +0100

Moscow - Fears of contact with a rabies-stricken dog have left 41 people hospitalized in Moscow, said Russian officials (Source: Monsters and Critics Health News)

On This Day in Science History - December 27 - Louis Pasteur

About.com Chemistry — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 00:05:23 +0100

December 27th is Louis Pasteur's birthday. Pasteur was a French chemist best known for developing the pasteurization process to slow the development of microbes in milk and wine. The process involves heating the liquid just high enough to kill off any microbial life without spoiling or altering the taste of the product. He is also responsible for the introduction of the rabies vaccine. His vaccine was developed from the spinal tissue of infected rabbits. He dried out the infected tissue to weaken the virus and injected it into patients who were exposed to rabid animals. Pasteur is considered one of the founders of microbiology and one of France's greatest scientific heroes. Find out what else occurred on this day in science history.On This Day in Science History - December 27 - Louis Paste...

Further progress toward AIDS vaccine: Rabies-virus vaccine protects monkeys

ScienceDaily Headlines — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 15:33:45 +0100

Researchers are one step closer to developing a vaccine against the AIDS disease. They have found that a rabies virus-based vaccine administered to monkeys protected against the simian equivalent of the HIV virus (SIV). (Source: ScienceDaily Headlines)

Confusion or reduced level of consciousness in the returned traveller

Medicine — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 15:32:43 +0100

Abstract: A large number of tropical infections can cause neurological syndromes but the returning traveller is more likely to have a condition that is well known to a UK physician. Malaria is the most commonly imported life-threatening tropical infection and should be excluded urgently in all patients. It is also important not to miss herpes encephalitis, bacterial meningitis and systemic infection, especially typhoid, as early treatment will change prognosis. Infections caused by arboviruses, such as Japanese B encephalitis, are rare but rabies and human African trypanosomiasis can cause a classical encephalitic presentation. HIV must always be considered, and non-infectious causes including drugs may be more common in travellers. A detailed geographical history is crucial and a systemat...

Evaluation of Mass Vaccination Campaign Coverage Against Rabies in Dogs in Tunisia

Zoonoses and Public Health — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

In Tunisia, rabies continues to be considered as a serious public health concern. Very costly mass vaccination of dogs against rabies and expensive post-exposure prophylaxis are prerequisites to maintain a low level of human rabies cases. In Tunisia, the implementation of mass vaccination campaigns at the national level has undoubtedly contributed to the drop of rabies endemicity, but the overall outcome is rather suboptimal. In this investigation, we wanted to estimate the extent of the vaccination coverage in dogs in three Governorates (Manouba, Kassrine and Mednine), by collecting data through questionnaires and interviews relevant to 1470 owned dogs. When the campaign is correctly applied, as in Manouba, almost all the targeted dog population can be reached by parenteral vaccination an...

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HC stays Aventis' anti-rabies drug distribution

The Economic Times Healthcare and Biotech News — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 22:41:52 +0100

The Bombay High Court has restrained Aventis Pharma from distributing anti-rabies vaccine Verorab, and allowed the arbitration application filed by Novartis Vaccines & Diagnostics (USA). (Source: The Economic Times Healthcare and Biotech News)

Rabies Vaccine Protects Against Monkey Version of HIV

MedicineNet Hepatitis C General — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 07:00:00 +0100

Title: Rabies Vaccine Protects Against Monkey Version of HIVCategory: Health NewsCreated: 12/18/2009 4:10:00 PMLast Editorial Review: 12/21/2009 (Source: MedicineNet Hepatitis C General)

Rabies Vaccine Protects Against Monkey Version of HIV

MedicineNet HIV General — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 07:00:00 +0100

Title: Rabies Vaccine Protects Against Monkey Version of HIVCategory: Health NewsCreated: 12/18/2009 4:10:00 PMLast Editorial Review: 12/21/2009 (Source: MedicineNet HIV General)

Rabies Vaccine Protects Against Monkey Version of HIV

MedicineNet Womens Health General — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 07:00:00 +0100

Title: Rabies Vaccine Protects Against Monkey Version of HIVCategory: Health NewsCreated: 12/18/2009 4:10:00 PMLast Editorial Review: 12/21/2009 (Source: MedicineNet Womens Health General)

Epidemiological investigations of human rabies in China

BMC Infectious Diseases — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: In recent years, rabies is reemerging and becoming a major public-health problem in China. Our analysis showed that unsuccessful control of dog rabies and inadequate PEP of patients were the main factors leading to the high incidence of human rabies in China, then there are following suggestions: (1) Strict control of free-ranging dogs and mandatory rabies vaccination should be enforced. (2)Establishing national animal rabies surveillance network is imperative. (3) PEP should be decided to initiate or withhold according to postmortem diagnosis of the biting animal. (4) The cost of PEP should be decreased or free, especially in rural areas. (5)Education of the public and health care staff should be enhanced. (Source: BMC Infectious Diseases)

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Rabies Vaccine Protects Against Monkey Version of HIV

Forbes.com Health News — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 22:00:00 +0100

Finding holds promise for HIV vaccine development (Source: Forbes.com Health News)

Time Series Analysis of the Impact of Oral Vaccination on Raccoon Rabies in West Virginia, 1990–2007

Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 13:05:44 +0100

Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases , Vol. 0, No. 0. (Source: Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases)

Human Rabies -- Missouri, 2008

Medscape Today Headlines — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 12:04:35 +0100

A man is bitten by a bat, fails to seek treatment, and dies. This case highlights the need to raise public awareness of rabies, the CDC says. Morbidity & Mortality Weekly Report (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

Rabies Cases a Continuing Threat to Global Public Health: Ancient Disease Still a Modern Problem

Medscape Infectious Diseases Headlines — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 17:00:00 +0100

One of the world's oldest diseases, rabies continues to surprise vigilant public health officials who keep the disease at bay in the US and labor to control the disease around the world. The Nation's Health (Source: Medscape Infectious Diseases Headlines)

One-Week Postexposure Rabies Prophylaxis Shows Promise

Medscape Today Headlines — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 16:43:43 +0100

A 1-week program of postexposure rabies prophylaxis generates adequate levels of neutralizing antibodies, say researchers from Thailand in the January 1st issue of Clinical Infectious Diseases. Reuters Health Information (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

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Further Progress Toward AIDS Vaccine

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 13:00:00 +0100

Researchers from Thomas Jefferson University are one step closer to developing a vaccine against the AIDS disease. Led by Matthias J. Schnell, Ph.D., director of the Jefferson Vaccine Center, the researchers found that a rabies virus-based vaccine administered to monkeys protected against the simian equivalent of the HIV virus (SIV). The data were published in the journal Vaccine. The researchers previously showed that a rabies-based vaccine expressing HIV and SIV antigens protective against a chimeric HIV/SIV virus in monkeys... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Further Progress Toward AIDS Vaccine

Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 13:00:00 +0100

Researchers from Thomas Jefferson University are one step closer to developing a vaccine against the AIDS disease. Led by Matthias J. Schnell, Ph.D., director of the Jefferson Vaccine Center, the researchers found that a rabies virus-based vaccine administered to monkeys protected against the simian equivalent of the HIV virus (SIV). The data were published in the journal Vaccine... (Source: Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today)

Low genetic diversities of rabies virus populations within different hosts in Brazil.

Infection, Genetics and Evolution — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Kobayashi Y, Suzuki Y, Itou T, Carvalho AA, Cunha EM, Ito FH, Gojobori T, Sakai T The low rates of nonsynonymous evolution observed in natural rabies virus (RABV) isolates are suggested to have arisen in association with the structural and functional constraints operating on the virus protein and the infection strategies employed by RABV within infected hosts to avoid strong selection by the immune response. In order to investigate the relationship between the genetic characteristics of RABV populations within hosts and the virus evolution, the present study examined the genetic heterogeneities of RABV populations within naturally infected dogs and foxes in Brazil, as well as those of bat RABV populations that were passaged once in suckling mice. Sequence analyses of complete ...

Cerebellar Inputs to Intraparietal Cortex Areas LIP and MIP: Functional Frameworks for Adaptive Control of Eye Movements, Reaching, and Arm/Eye/Head Movement Coordination

Cerebral Cortex — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 18:07:50 +0100

Using retrograde transneuronal transfer of rabies virus in combination with a conventional tracer (cholera toxin B), we studied simultaneously direct (thalamocortical) and polysynaptic inputs to the ventral lateral intraparietal area (LIPv) and the medial intraparietal area (MIP) in nonhuman primates. We found that these areas receive major disynaptic inputs from specific portions of the cerebellar nuclei, the ventral dentate (D), and ventrolateral interpositus posterior (IP). Area LIPv receives inputs from oculomotor domains of the caudal D and IP. Area MIP is the target of projections from the ventral D (mainly middle third), and gaze- and arm-related domains of IP involved in reaching and arm/eye/head coordination. We also showed that cerebellar cortical "output channels" to MIP predomi...

Are We Getting Closer to the Treatment of Rabies?

Medscape Today Headlines — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 12:04:34 +0100

Rabies is becoming a newly emergent disease again, and new treatments are surfacing. Future Virology (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

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In memoriam: Prof. Thomas Barrett

Archives of Virology — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 15:18:31 +0100

Content Type Journal ArticleCategory ObituaryDOI 10.1007/s00705-009-0565-8Authors Ashley Banyard, Veterinary Laboratories Agency Rabies and Wildlife Zoonoses Group Weybridge Surrey KT15 3NB UKBrian W. J. Mahy, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Division of Emerging Infections and Surveillance Services Mailstop D 61, 1600 Clifton Road Atlanta GA 30333 USA Journal Archives of VirologyOnline ISSN 1432-8798Print ISSN 0304-8608 (Source: Archives of Virology)

Human Vaccinia Infection After Contact With a Raccoon Rabies Vaccine Bait--Pennsylvania, 2009 [From the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention]

JAMA — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 20:51:46 +0100

(Source: JAMA)

Failure of Rabies Postexposure Prophylaxis In Patients Presenting with Unusual Manifestations

Clinical Infectious Diseases Latest Issue — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 18:11:18 +0100

We report an atypical case of paralytic rabies presenting with trismus followed by limb weakness, areflexia, ophthalmoparesis, and bilateral ptosis. Atypical presentations and history of rabies postexposure prophylaxis led to delayed diagnosis. Nucleocapsid and glycoprotein genes of rabies viruses from the patient’s and biting dog’s brains were of identical sequences. (Source: Clinical Infectious Diseases Latest Issue)

Postexposure Rabies Prophylaxis Completed in 1 Week: Preliminary Study

Clinical Infectious Diseases Latest Issue — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 18:08:37 +0100

Conclusions. After any PEP regimen, World Health Organization recommendations require a NAb value ⩾0.5 IU/mL on days 14 and 28. The 1‐week PEP regimen, therefore, appears promising. It increased immunogenicity over the 2‐site intradermal schedule, and it is convenient and can be used in small clinics, because it consumes almost the entire supplied vaccine ampoule volume. (Source: Clinical Infectious Diseases Latest Issue)

Chinese take to streets over rising Aids levels

The Irish Times - Health — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 08:30:46 +0100

Last year, HIV/Aids became the leading cause of death by infectious disease in China, overtaking tuberculosis and rabies, reportsCLIFFORD COONANin Beijing (Source: The Irish Times - Health)

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Phylogenetic Analysis of Rabies Viruses from Burkina Faso, 2007

Zoonoses and Public Health — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Genetic characterization of 32 canine rabies viruses circulating in Burkina Faso in 2007 identified two clades both belonging to the Africa 2 lineage. Sequence homology data suggest that transboundary spread is the most likely means of introduction, highlighting an evolving epidemiological situation. (Source: Zoonoses and Public Health)

Public Health Argument to Retain Current UK National Controls for Tick and Tapeworms Under the Pet Travel Scheme

Zoonoses and Public Health — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

At present, the European Council is debating whether the current national controls under the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS), which aims to prevent the introduction of rabies and tapeworms or live ticks and their associated diseases into the United Kingdom (UK), should be harmonized amongst European Union (EU) Member States. There is a strong case to support the retention of control measures on human health grounds. Although many are aware of the implications of rabies infection, few realize the risk to the UK population if current tick and tapeworm controls under PETS were to be removed. If this were to occur, there is a risk that a number of diseases of human health importance may be introduced and become established in the UK. Such diseases include alveolar echinococcosis, tick borne encephali...

Association between handling stress in the corral and rabies antibody titers in selenium-supplemented cattle

Journal of Venomous Animals and Toxins including Tropical Diseases — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 16:20:38 +0100

In conclusion, repeated handling in the corral stresses cattle, but without compromising rabies humoral immune response. (Source: Journal of Venomous Animals and Toxins including Tropical Diseases)

Use of Aspiration Method for Collecting Brain Samples for Rabies Diagnosis in Small Wild Animals

Zoonoses and Public Health — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

In developing countries such as Brazil, where canine rabies is still a considerable problem, samples from wildlife species are infrequently collected and submitted for screening for rabies. A collaborative study was established involving environmental biologists and veterinarians for rabies epidemiological research in a specific ecological area located at the Sao Paulo State, Brazil. The wild animals' brains are required to be collected without skull damage because the skull's measurements are important in the identification of the captured animal species. For this purpose, samples from bats and small mammals were collected using an aspiration method by inserting a plastic pipette into the brain through the magnum foramen. While there is a progressive increase in the use of the plastic pip...

Appearance of peripheral blood plasma cells and memory B cells in a primary and secondary immune response in humans

Blood — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 17:02:29 +0100

In this study, we assessed the primary B-cell response of rabies-antigen naive volunteers during a 3-dose course of rabies vaccine compared with the B-cell response to a booster dose of rabies vaccine given to previously immunized volunteers. After a single dose of vaccine, in the naive group plasma and memory B cells appeared later (peak at day 10) than in the primed group (peak at day 7) and were at lower frequency. The most rapid responses (day 4) were detected after a third immunization in the naive group. This is the first study to document the detailed kinetics of the plasma cell and memory B-cell responses to immunization in adult humans and to demonstrate differences in the responses that relate to the preexisting immune status of the persons. (Source: Blood)

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Seroprevalences to viral pathogens in free-ranging and captive cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) on Namibian farmland.

Clinical and Vaccine Immunology — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Thalwitzer S, Wachter B, Robert N, Wibbelt G, Müller T, Lonzer J, Meli ML, Bay G, Hofer H, Lutz H Cheetah populations are diminishing rapidly in their natural habitat. One reason for their decline is thought to be a high susceptibility to (infectious) diseases because cheetahs in zoos suffer from high disease-induced mortality. Data on the health status of free-ranging cheetahs are scarce and little is known about their exposure and susceptibility to infectious diseases. We determined seroprevalence to nine key viruses (feline herpesvirus 1, feline calicivirus, feline parvovirus, feline corona virus, canine distemper virus, feline immunodeficiency virus, puma lentivirus, feline leukemia virus and rabies virus) in 68 free-ranging cheetahs on east-central Namibian farmland,...

New adenovirus in bats, Germany.

Emerging Infectious Diseases — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Sonntag M, Muhldorfer K, Speck S, Wibbelt G, Kurth A We tested 55 deceased vespertilionid bats of 12 species from southern Germany for virus infections. A new adenovirus was isolated from tissue samples of 2 Pipistrellus pipistrellus bats, which represents the only chiropteran virus isolate found in Europe besides lyssavirus (rabies virus). Evidence was found for adenovirus transmission between bats. PMID: 19961700 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Emerging Infectious Diseases)

[Characteristics of biting animals submitted to rabies diagnosis, São Paulo State, Brazil, 1993-2007.]

Cadernos de Saude Publica — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

[Characteristics of biting animals submitted to rabies diagnosis, São Paulo State, Brazil, 1993-2007.] Cad Saude Publica. 2009 Dec;25(12):2747-51 Authors: Buso DS, Nunes CM, Queiroz LH Epidemiological factors related to animal bites in humans and other animals were obtained from a database with 10,616 records of animal specimens sent for rabies diagnosis in northwest São Paulo State, Brazil, from 1993 to 2007. Of this total, 61.5% contained information on the bites, and among the biting animals (25%), the majority were dogs (67%), followed by cats (21.8%), and bats (8.1%). In 92.1% of the reports the victims were humans, and 82.3% of the animals were home pets. The majority of the biting dogs were less than a year old. There was a significant association (p < 0.000...

The cell biology of rabies virus: using stealth to reach the brain

Nature Reviews Microbiology — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Matthias J. Schnell, James P. McGettigan, Christoph Wirblich & Amy Papaneri Rabies virus, the prototypical neurotropic virus, causes one of the most lethal zoonotic diseases. According to official estimates, over 55,000 people die of the disease annually, but this is probably a severe underestimation. A combination of virulence factors enables the virus to enter neurons at (Source: Nature Reviews Microbiology)

RNA induced polymerization of the Borna disease virus nucleoprotein.

Virology — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Hock M, Kraus I, Schoehn G, Jamin M, Andrei-Selmer C, Garten W, Weissenhorn W The Borna disease virus (BDV) nucleoprotein (N) monomer resembles the nucleoprotein structures from rabies virus (RABV) and vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV). We show that BDV N assembles into ring- and string-like structures in the presence of 5' genomic BDV RNA. RNA induced polymerization is partly RNA-specific since polymerization is inefficient in the presence of 3' genomic BDV RNA or E. coli RNA. Mutagenesis of basic residues located in the cleft made up by the N- and C-terminal domains of N abrogate RNA-induced polymerization indicating that BDV N binds RNA similarly as observed in case of RABV and VSV N-RNA complexes. Bound RNA is not protected and sensitive to degradation. N-RNA polymers form ...

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Rabies-The role of the World Organisation for animal health in mobilising global control.

Vaccine — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 13:32:42 +0100

Authors: Brückner G PMID: 19925943 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Vaccine)

Evidence for a 4-dose vaccine schedule for human rabies post-exposure prophylaxis in previously non-vaccinated individuals.

Vaccine — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 13:32:40 +0100

Authors: Rupprecht CE, Briggs D, Brown CM, Franka R, Katz SL, Kerr HD, Lett S, Levis R, Meltzer MI, Schaffner W, Cieslak PR After exposure, human rabies is preventable by prompt application of post-exposure prophylaxis. Historically, the total number of rabies vaccine doses administered during human prophylaxis has decreased, as modern biologics have improved and scientific knowledge has grown. A review of the literature on rabies virus pathogenesis, experimental animal studies, clinical trials, epidemiological surveillance, and economic analyses was conducted to determine the potential utility of reducing the current 5-dose intramuscular series of human rabies vaccine administered in the United States. Based upon the available evidence, a reduced schedule of cell-culture rabies vaccin...

Rabies virus pathogenesis in relationship to intervention with inactivated and attenuated rabies vaccines.

Vaccine — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 13:32:37 +0100

In this study, we compared protection elicited by standard, early, or delayed prophylaxis with a reduced number of vaccine doses using inactivated and live-attenuated vaccines. Two-month-old Syrian hamsters, 4-week-old ICR mice or adult rhesus macaques were inoculated with canine rabies virus variants. Thereafter, prophylaxis was initiated 6h, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7 days post-exposure (p.e.). One or several doses of inactivated (HDCV), or reverse genetically attenuated (live), or gamma-irradiated (inactivated)-ERAG333 vaccines were administered intramuscularly. The dynamics of virus spread were measured over time in the rodent models. Rabies virus reached the spinal cord at day 4 and brain at day 6 p.e. All hamsters succumbed in groups in which live ERAG333 was delayed until days 5 and 6 p....

Epidemiology of rabies post-exposure prophylaxis-United States of America, 2006-2008.

Vaccine — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 13:32:34 +0100

CONCLUSION: PEP is loosely monitored and a precise estimate of PEP use is unknown. Improved national surveillance for PEP is needed. PMID: 19925946 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Vaccine)

Rabies post-exposure prophylaxis with purified equine rabies immunoglobulin: One-year follow-up of patients with laboratory-confirmed category III rabies exposure in the Philippines.

Vaccine — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 13:32:30 +0100

Authors: Quiambao BP, Dy-Tioco HZ, Dizon RM, Crisostomo ME, Teuwen DE Category III rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) encompasses wound cleansing, infiltration of rabies immunoglobulins (RIG) and rabies vaccination. A Manila-based prospective prescription monitoring one-year follow-up study enrolled 193 patients, aged 16 months-79 years. Patients received PEP, including infiltration of highly purified equine RIG (pERIG, Favirab), following exposure to animals confirmed rabid by direct fluorescence antibody test (dFAT). No serious adverse events were considered related to PEP. One-year post-exposure, 191 of the 193 patients (99%) were in good health. Two deaths occurred, one due to myocardial infarction (unrelated to rabies) in a 73-year-old man, 291 days post-exposure, and one due ...

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Evaluating the cost-effectiveness of rabies post-exposure prophylaxis: A case study in Tanzania.

Vaccine — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 13:32:27 +0100

Authors: Shim E, Hampson K, Cleaveland S, Galvani AP Although fatal if untreated, human rabies can be prevented through post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), which involves a course of vaccination and immunoglobulin administered immediately after exposure. However, high costs and frequent lack of rabies vaccine and immunoglobulin lead to about 55,000 deaths per year worldwide. Using data from a detailed study of rabies in Tanzania, we calculate a cost-effectiveness ratio for PEP when the WHO-recommended Essen regimen, a 5-dose intramuscular vaccination schedule, is adopted. Our analyses indicate a cost-effectiveness ratio for PEP of $27/quality-adjusted life year (QALY) from a health care perspective and $32/QALY from a societal perspective in Tanzania. From both perspectives, it is "very c...

"Early death" and the contraindication of vaccine during treatment of rabies.

Vaccine — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 13:32:25 +0100

Authors: Willoughby RE Administration of rabies vaccine or rabies immune globulin (RIG) during symptomatic rabies is ineffective, and there are concerns about the phenomenon of "early death" reported in animals that develop rabies after receipt of rabies vaccine or immune globulin. Survival analyses of the original animal data confirm these findings in two species, whereas analyses of human case reports and the Milwaukee Protocol registry suggest lower risk of "early death" in humans. There may be a deleterious interaction of rabies vaccine and RIG with bat rabies in humans. Animal studies of bat rabies virus with bat-origin vaccines and RIG are urgently needed. PMID: 19925949 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Vaccine)

A robust lentiviral pseudotype neutralisation assay for in-field serosurveillance of rabies and lyssaviruses in Africa.

Vaccine — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 13:32:22 +0100

Authors: Wright E, McNabb S, Goddard T, Horton DL, Lembo T, Nel LH, Weiss RA, Cleaveland S, Fooks AR The inflexibility of existing serological techniques for detection of rabies in surveillance constrains the benefit to be gained from many current control strategies. We analysed 304 serum samples from Tanzanian dogs for the detection of rabies antibodies in a pseudotype assay using lentiviral vectors bearing the CVS-11 envelope glycoprotein. Compared with the widely used gold standard fluorescent antibody virus neutralisation assay, a specificity of 100% and sensitivity of 94.4% with a strong correlation of antibody titres (r=0.915) were observed with the pseudotype assay. To increase the assay's surveillance specificity in Africa we incorporated the envelope glycoprotein of local viru...

Influence of oral rabies vaccine bait density on rabies seroprevalence in wild raccoons.

Vaccine — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 13:32:19 +0100

Authors: Sattler AC, Krogwold RA, Wittum TE, Rupprecht CE, Algeo TP, Slate D, Smith KA, Hale RL, Nohrenberg GA, Lovell CD, Niezgoda M, Montoney AJ, Slemons RD The effect of different oral rabies vaccine (ORV) bait densities (75, 150, and 300baits/km(2)) on the seroprevalence of rabies virus neutralizing antibodies (RVNAs) in raccoons (Procyon lotor) was assessed at a 15% seroprevalence difference threshold in rural areas of northeast Ohio. Results (n=588 raccoons) indicated that seropositivity for RVNAs was associated with both bait density and bait campaign frequency. Associations were not detected for raccoon gender, age, or macro-habitat. The odds of being seropositive were greater for raccoons originating from 300bait/km(2) treatment areas relative to those coming from the 75bait/k...

Oral immunization of raccoons and skunks with a canine adenovirus recombinant rabies vaccine.

Vaccine — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 13:32:17 +0100

Authors: Henderson H, Jackson F, Bean K, Panasuk B, Niezgoda M, Slate D, Li J, Dietzschold B, Mattis J, Rupprecht CE Oral vaccination is an important part of wildlife rabies control programs. Currently, the vaccinia-rabies glycoprotein recombinant virus is the only oral rabies vaccine licensed in the United States, and it is not effective in skunks. In the current study, captive raccoons and skunks were used to evaluate a vaccine developed by incorporating the rabies virus glycoprotein gene into a canine adenovirus serotype 2 vector (CAV2-RVG). Seven of 7 raccoons orally vaccinated with CAV2-RVG developed virus neutralizing antibodies and survived lethal challenge. Five of 5 and 6 of 6 skunks in 2 experimental groups receiving 10-fold different dilutions of CAV2-RVG developed neutraliz...

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Poxvirus-vectored vaccines for rabies-A review.

Vaccine — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 13:32:14 +0100

Authors: Weyer J, Rupprecht CE, Nel LH Oral rabies vaccination of target reservoir species has proved to be one of the pillars of successful rabies elimination programs. The use of live attenuated rabies virus vaccines has been extensive but several limitations hamper its future use. A recombinant vaccinia-rabies vaccine has also been successfully used for the oral vaccination of several species. Nevertheless, its lack of efficacy in certain important rabies reservoirs and concerns on the use of this potent live virus as vaccine carrier (vector) impair the expansion of its use for new target species and new areas. Several attenuated and host-restricted poxvirus alternatives, which supposedly offer enhanced safety, have been investigated. Once again, efficacy in certain target species a...

Development of combined vaccines for rabies and immunocontraception.

Vaccine — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 13:32:11 +0100

Authors: Wu X, Franka R, Svoboda P, Pohl J, Rupprecht CE Rabies prevention and appropriate population management of free-ranging animals have an important role to play in the eventual elimination of rabies in dogs. An effective sterilant based on rabies vaccines has the potential to create a supportive measure of public acceptability and to reduce associated clinic visit costs. We inserted the coding sequence of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) into different locations within the rabies virus ERA glycoprotein (G) gene, and demonstrated that the amino terminus (N), antigenic site IIa, and the junction between the ecto- and cytoplasmic domains (C) of the G were suitable sites for GnRH insertion. The rescued recombinant rabies viruses ERA-N-GnRH and ERA-C-GnRH grew as well as the par...

No adverse effects of simultaneous vaccination with the immunocontraceptive GonaCon and a commercial rabies vaccine on rabies virus neutralizing antibody production in dogs.

Vaccine — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 13:32:08 +0100

Authors: Bender SC, Bergman DL, Wenning KM, Miller LA, Slate D, Jackson FR, Rupprecht CE Parenteral vaccination campaigns are integral to the elimination of canine rabies. To maximize herd immunity in dogs, immunocontraception provided at the time of rabies vaccination should reduce fecundity and dog abundance. GonaCon has been used successfully as an immunocontraceptive in a variety of mammals, and by inference, the dog would be an ideal candidate for testing. As an initial step in evaluating a combination-vaccination program, we assessed the effects of GonaCon on rabies virus neutralizing antibody production in dogs after administration of a veterinary rabies vaccine. Eighteen feral/free ranging dogs were included in this initial study: six were given GonaCon only, six were given rab...

Enhancing comparative rabies DNA vaccine effectiveness through glycoprotein gene modifications.

Vaccine — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 13:32:06 +0100

Authors: Osinubi MO, Wu X, Franka R, Niezgoda M, Nok AJ, Ogunkoya AB, Rupprecht CE Enhancing DNA vaccine effectiveness remains a challenge, especially if the desired goal is immunization efficacy after a single dose. The glycoprotein gene from the rabies virus Evelyn-Rokitnicki-Abelseth (ERA) strain was modified by mutation at amino acid residue 333 from arginine to glutamine. The modified and original unmodified glycoprotein genes were cloned separately and developed as DNA vaccines for immunization in mice. The intramuscular (IM) route using a single dose (100mug) of a modified DNA vaccine showed virus neutralizing antibody induction by d30, and 80% of the mice survived a challenge in which 100% of unvaccinated controls succumbed. Similar results were obtained using a single dose (10...

A novel composite immunotoxin that suppresses rabies virus production by the infected cells.

Journal of Immunological Methods — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Mareeva T, Wanjalla C, Schnell MJ, Sykulev Y Using Strepavidin as a scaffold, we have assembled a composite immunotoxin that consists of recombinant Pseudomonas exotoxin A subunit (PE38) and recombinant 25-D1.16 Fab fragment which recognizes the SIINFEKL (pOV8) peptide from ovalbumin in association with H-2K(b) MHC class I protein. The composite immunotoxin exercises cytotoxicity against H-2K(b+) cells sensitized with pOV8 peptide but not with irrelevant peptide. Specific binding of the immunotoxin to H-2K(b+) cells infected with recombinant rabies virus (RV) expressing pOV8 epitope (RV-pOV8) resulted in the suppression of the production of virus particles by the infected cells. This strategy allows readily produce different immunotoxins with desired specificity by combining v...

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Amino acid substitutions at positions 242, 255 and 268 in rabies virus glycoprotein affect spread of viral infection

Microbiology and Immunology — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Rabies virus Nishigahara strain kills adult mice after intracerebral inoculation, whereas the derivative RC-HL strain does not. It has previously been reported by us that the R(G 242/255/268) strain, in which amino acids at positions 242, 255 and 268 on the G protein have been replaced by those from the Nishigahara strain in the genetic background of the RC-HL strain, kills adult mice. This indicates that these three amino acids of G protein are important for pathogenicity of the Nishigahara strain. In order to obtain insights into the mechanism by which these amino acids affect pathogenicity, in this study spread of viral infection and apoptosis-inducing ability of the attenuated RC-HL strain and the virulent R(G 242/255/268) strain were compared. RC-HL infection spread less efficiently i...

Rabies spreads in Indonesia's Bali

Monsters and Critics Health News — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 09:26:02 +0100

Bali Island, Indonesia - An outbreak of rabies is spreading in Indonesia's resort island of Bali, officials said (Source: Monsters and Critics Health News)

Comparison between RT-PCR and the mouse inoculation test for detection of rabies virus in samples kept for long periods under different conditions.

Journal of Virological Methods — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Lopes MC, Venditti LL, Queiroz LH Antigenic and genetic analyses are important tools for retrospective studies of rabies epidemiology in specific geographical areas. Virus recovery and re-isolation from archival samples conserved for long periods at freezing temperature are essential for these studies. Prolonged preservation, associated with temperature variations, causes significant loss of virus viability. However, molecular tools, such as RT-PCR, can overcome this problem. For this purpose, 95 positive samples stored for 4-13 years at-20 and-80 degrees C were evaluated by mouse inoculation test and RT-PCR. Only 32 (33.6%) of the samples were positive with the mouse inoculation test, while RT-PCR detected the viral genome in 62 (65.3%) samples. When the samples were analyzed...

Are we getting closer to the treatment of rabies?

Future Virology — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 16:41:11 +0100

Future Virology , November 2009, Vol. 4, No. 6, Pages 563-570. (Source: Future Virology)

Human Vaccinia Infection After Contact with a Raccoon Rabies Vaccine Bait --- Pennsylvania, 2009

CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:40:05 +0100

(Source: CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report)

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Human Rabies --- Missouri, 2008

CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:40:05 +0100

(Source: CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report)

Human rabies - Missouri, 2008.

MMWR Morb Mortal Wkl... — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

This report summarizes the patient's treatment and clinical course. The report highlights the importance of raising public awareness of rabies, particularly the risk for rabies after bat and other wildlife exposures. Health-care providers should maintain a high clinical suspicion for rabies in patients with a recent animal bite history and unexplained encephalitis. PMID: 19893481 [PubMed - in process] (Source: MMWR Morb Mortal Wkl...)

Human vaccinia infection after contact with a raccoon rabies vaccine bait - Pennsylvania, 2009.

MMWR Morb Mortal Wkl... — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

This report describes this case, which was the second case of human vaccinia infection related to the ORV program. Public health agencies should educate the public, and particularly pet owners, regarding potential hazards associated with handling wildlife rabies vaccine baits and should provide guidance for persons exposed to this vaccine. PMID: 19893480 [PubMed - in process] (Source: MMWR Morb Mortal Wkl...)

Viral meningitis and encephalitis

Medicine — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract: Meningitis and encephalitis due to virus infections occur at all stages of life from the neonate to the elderly and may represent disease due to the primary site of replication, e.g. rabies, or be part of a wider infection syndrome, e.g. HIV. A large proportion of cases go unconfirmed by laboratory diagnosis despite use of sensitive techniques (such as the polymerase chain reaction). They may be both sporadic and epidemic in nature, but with changing environmental and societal conditions, agents may emerge anew, e.g. Nipah and Hendra viruses, or reappear after a period of good control through vaccination, e.g. mumps and poliovirus. Specific anti-viral treatment is very limited at present. Prevention is by public health measures and vaccination. (Source: Medicine)

Risk of importing zoonotic diseases through wildlife trade, United States.

Emerging Infectious Diseases — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Pavlin BI, Schloegel LM, Daszak P The United States is the world's largest wildlife importer, and imported wild animals represent a potential source of zoonotic pathogens. Using data on mammals imported during 2000-2005, we assessed their potential to host 27 selected risk zoonoses and created a risk assessment that could inform policy making for wildlife importation and zoonotic disease surveillance. A total of 246,772 mammals in 190 genera (68 families) were imported. The most widespread agents of risk zoonoses were rabies virus (in 78 genera of mammals), Bacillus anthracis (57), Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (48), Echinococcus spp. (41), and Leptospira spp. (35). Genera capable of harboring the greatest number of risk zoonoses were Canis and Felis (14 each), Rattus (13...

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BayRab (Rabies Immune Globulin (Human) Solvent/Detergent Treated) - updated on RxList

RxList - New and Updated Drug Monographs — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 07:00:00 +0100

BayRab (Rabies Immune Globulin (Human) Solvent/Detergent Treated) drug description - FDA approved labeling for prescription drugs and medications at RxList (Source: RxList - New and Updated Drug Monographs)

No shortage of rabies vaccine: Novartis India

The Economic Times Healthcare and Biotech News — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 18:51:33 +0100

Novartis India said there was no shortage of rabies vaccine in the country, despite manufacturing constraints at Ankaleswar plant of Chiron Behring Vaccines. (Source: The Economic Times Healthcare and Biotech News)

No shortage of rabies vaccine: Novartis India

The Economic Times Healthcare and Biotech News — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 18:51:33 +0100

Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health closes deal to acquire a significant portion of the Fort Dodge Animal Health Business from Pfizer

Boehringer Ingelheim RSS-Newsfeed — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Ingelheim/Germany and St. Joseph/MO, 26 October 2009 - Boehringer Ingelheim, a global pharmaceutical group of companies, together with its U.S. animal health business Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc., announced today that it has closed its deal with Pfizer to acquire a significant portion of the Fort Dodge Animal Health business. The acquisition, which includes products in the U.S., Australia, Canada and South Africa, as well as two manufacturing and research facilities located in Fort Dodge, Iowa, significantly increases the size of Boehringer Ingelheim2E8s companion animal and cattle portfolios and strengthens the company9E8s position as a leading vaccine supplier. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Products being acquired in Europe are still subject to approval by European anti-t...

Correlation of cytokine expression with rabies virus distribution in rabies encephalitis

Journal of Neuroimmunology — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract: Rabies encephalitis is a significant health hazard, particularly in Asia. To understand the role of immune mechanisms and cytokines in rabies encephalitis, we performed a retrospective and prospective study on the autopsy material. Representative histopathological sections were studied and subjected to immunostaining for rabies virus antigen, TNF-α and IL-1β. Immunohistochemistry for IL-1β and TNF-α revealed expression of these cytokines in 96% of cases in microglial cells, macrophages and lymphocytes with a strong positive correlation between IL-1β and TNF-α immunopositivity and degree of perivascular and parenchymal inflammation. In addition, expression of IL-1β and TNF-α also correlated positively with each other. However there was no direct correlation of viral antige...

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Novartis-Aventis row leads to shortage of anti-rabies vaccine

The Economic Times Healthcare and Biotech News — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 18:59:32 +0100

Beware of Dogs! There is a shortage of anti-rabies vaccine in the country, thanks to a dispute between Novartis and Sanofi Aventis, which together hold about 80% of the anti-rabies vaccine market. (Source: The Economic Times Healthcare and Biotech News)

Novartis-Aventis row leads to shortage of anti-rabies vaccine

The Economic Times Healthcare and Biotech News — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 18:59:32 +0100

Repeated detection of European bat lyssavirus type 2 in dead bats found at a single roost site in the UK

Archives of Virology — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 03:11:42 +0100

Abstract In August 2007, European bat lyssavirus type 2 (EBLV-2) was isolated from a Daubenton’s bat found at Stokesay Castle. In September 2008, another bat from the same vicinity of Stokesay Castle also tested positive for EBLV-2. This is the first occurrence of repeated detection of EBLV-2 from a single site. Here, we report the detection of low levels of viral RNA in various bat organs by qRT-PCR and detection of viral antigen by immunohistochemistry. We also report sequence data from both cases and compare data with those derived from other EBLV-2 isolations in the UK. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Brief ReportDOI 10.1007/s00705-009-0504-8Authors Ashley C. Banyard, Veterinary Laboratories Agency, Weybridge Rabies and Wildlife Zoonoses Group Addlestone Surr...

Crucell N.V.: Crucell Rabies Monoclonal Antibody Combination: Positive Results Philippines Phase II Study Presented at RITA Conference

Market Wire - Pharmaceuticals and Biotech — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 13:09:00 +0100

LEIDEN, NETHERLANDS (MARKET WIRE) Dutch biopharma company Crucell N.V. (Euronext, Nasdaq: CRXL) (SWISS: CRX) today announced that detailed results of the Phase II Philippines study of its rabies monoclonal antibody combination (CL 184) were presented at the XX Rabies in the Americas (RITA) Conference in Quebec, Canada. The presentation was given by Dr Beatriz P. Quiambao (MD), Chief Clinical Research Division and Head, Rabies Research Group, Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, Muntinlupa, Philippines and is available on Crucell's website www.crucell.com. (Source: Market Wire - Pharmaceuticals and Biotech)

A vaccine measured with a highly variable assay: Rabies.

Sun, 18 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Jivapaisarnpong T, Schofield T, Krause PR Manufacturers and regulators are challenged when evaluating stability of vaccines when potency is measured using a highly variable assay. Participants in the IABS Workshop on Stability Evaluation of Vaccines, a Life Cycle Approach, were offered a case study from a series of stability studies of a rabies vaccine, using the NIH potency assay. The case study was introduced with a scenario in which a new manufacturer was to formulate, lyophilize and fill the vaccine from bulk supplied by another manufacturer. The regulatory authority requested that data from the new manufacturer be supplied, to supplement that of the original producer. Participants were asked to answer a series of questions posed by the regulator, and critique the study de...

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Immunogenicity and booster efficacy of pre-exposure rabies vaccination

Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 15:09:00 +0100

Summary: A multivariate analysis was used to identify factors influencing the immunogenicity of rabies vaccine and to assess the efficacy of booster injections in a cohort of 407 people monitored prospectively for 10 years after primary vaccination. Rabies vaccine (HDCV or PVRV) was injected by intramuscular route either on days 0 and 28 or on days 0, 7 and 28. All the participants received a booster injection on day 365. At the end of follow-up (year 10), 163 subjects had titers >0.5IU/ml (group A) and 59 subjects had titers (Source: Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene)

Molecular epidemiology of rabies virus isolates in Uganda.

Virus Research — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Hirano S, Itou T, Shibuya H, Kashiwazaki Y, Sakai T African field rabies virus isolates from domestic animals can be phylogenetically divided into three geographic lineages: Africa 1a (North and West Africa); Africa 1b (East and South Africa); and Africa 2 (West Africa). Partial nucleotide sequences of the rabies virus nucleoprotein gene (203-nt) were obtained from five dogs and three goats in Uganda. The analyzed Ugandan field rabies viruses were categorized into the Africa 1a and Africa 1b lineages. The present study thus demonstrates that two African lineage-derived rabies viruses coexist in Uganda, which is located in the geographical region between the known Africa 1a and Africa 1b lineage distributions. PMID: 19836426 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Viru...

Rabies virus glycoprotein expression in Drosophila S2 cells: Influence of re-selection on protein expression.

Biotechnology Journal — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Dos Santos AS, Lemos MA, Pereira CA, Jorge SA The aim of this study was to achieve expression of recombinant rabies virus glycoprotein (rRVGP) in Drosophila S2 cells. For this, a cDNA coding for the selection hygromycin antibiotic and the cDNA encoding the RVGP protein under the control of the constitutive actin promoter (Ac) were cloned in an expression plasmid, which was transfected into S2 cells. S2 cell populations (S2AcRVGPHy) showed rRVGP expression in cell lysates, attaining concentrations up to 1.5 mug/10(7) cells (705 mug/L). Of the transfected cells, 20% were shown to express the rRVGP. Cell subpopulations selected by limiting dilution expressed higher rRVGP yields and 90% of the cells were shown to express the rRVGP. Cell populations re-selected by addition of hygro...

Veterinarians Tend To More Than Animals

NPR Health and Science — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 17:00:00 +0100

Being a veterinarian involves more than giving rabies shots. Four veterinarians practicing in different areas join host Ira Flatow to talk about their day-to-day work — from birthing calves, to tracking epidemics, to diagnosing a sick hamster.» E-Mail This » Add to Del.icio.us (Source: NPR Health and Science)

Protecting Humans And Animals From Diseases In Wildlife

Bird Flu / Avian Flu News From Medical News Today — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 09:00:00 +0100

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Protecting Humans And Animals From Diseases In Wildlife

Veterinary News From Medical News Today — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 08:00:00 +0100

Avian influenza (H5N1), rabies, plague, Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE), and more recently swine flu (H1N1) are all examples of diseases that have made the leap from animals to humans. As the list continues to grow, experts at The University of Nottingham are to lead a project aimed at developing a state-of-the-art pan-European surveillance system to monitor emerging and re-emerging infections in wildlife. (Source: Veterinary News From Medical News Today)

Uganda: Masaka in Mass Vaccination of Dogs

AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 06:38:24 +0100

Masaka District is conducting a mass vaccination exercise of dogs and cats in a move to curb rabies. (Source: AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine)

Protecting humans and animals from diseases in wildlife

EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 04:00:00 +0100

(University of Nottingham) Avian influenza, rabies, plague, bovine spongiform encephalopathy, and more recently swine flu are all examples of diseases that have made the leap from animals to humans. As the list continues to grow, experts at the University of Nottingham are to lead a project aimed at developing a state-of-the-art pan-European surveillance system to monitor emerging and re-emerging infections in wildlife. (Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science)

Protecting Humans And Animals From Diseases In Wildlife

ScienceDaily Headlines — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 04:00:00 +0100

Avian influenza (H5N1), rabies, plague, Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE), and more recently swine flu (H1N1) are all examples of diseases that have made the leap from animals to humans. As the list continues to grow, experts in the UK are to lead a project aimed at developing a state-of-the-art pan-European surveillance system to monitor emerging and re-emerging infections in wildlife. (Source: ScienceDaily Headlines)

Small fiber neuropathy following vaccination for rabies, varicella or Lyme disease.

Vaccine — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

We report five patients who developed paresthesias within one day to two months following vaccination for rabies, varicella zoster, or Lyme disease. On examination, there was mild sensory loss in distal extremities, preserved strength, normal or minimally abnormal electrodiagnostic findings, and decreased epidermal nerve fiber densities per skin biopsy. Empiric immunomodulatory therapy was tried in two patients and was ineffective. All patients' symptoms have improved, but persist. We conclude that an acute or subacute, post-vaccination small fiber neuropathy may occur and follow a chronic course. PMID: 19808027 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Vaccine)

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Clinical Trial Launched In India To Improve Treatment For People Bitten By Rabid Animals

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 12:00:00 +0100

MassBiologics of the University of Massachusetts Medical School has announced the beginning of a Phase 1 clinical trial, testing the safety and activity of a human monoclonal antibody (MAB) developed to neutralize the rabies virus. (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Rabies in Foxes, Aegean Region, Turkey.

Emerging Infectious Diseases — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Vos A, Freuling C, Eskiizmirliler S, Un H, Aylan O, Johnson N, Gurbuz S, Muller W, Akkoca N, Muller T, Fooks AR, Askaroglu H At the end of the 1990s in the Aegean region of Turkey, rabies rapidly spread among foxes. This spread likely resulted from spillover infection from dogs and led to increased rabies cases among cattle. To control this outbreak, oral rabies vaccination of foxes has been used. PMID: 19861056 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Emerging Infectious Diseases)

First human gets new antibody aimed at rabies virus

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 04:00:00 +0100

(University of Massachusetts Medical School) MassBiologics of the University of Massachusetts Medical School today announced the beginning of a Phase 1 clinical trial in India, testing the safety and activity of a human monoclonal antibody developed to neutralize the rabies virus. The World Health Organization estimates that at least 10 million people are exposed to rabid animals each year, resulting in some 55,000 deaths. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Overview, Prevention, and Treatment of Rabies

Pharmacotherapy: Official Journal of the American College of Clinical Pharmacy — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Pharmacotherapy 29(10): 1182-1195 Abstract Each year, approximately 55,000 individuals worldwide die from an infection due to the rabies virus. Rabies is a life-threatening disease caused by an RNA virus that is usually transmitted to humans through bites from rabid animals. More recently, reports of transmission by means of organ transplantation have been reported. Since human rabies is nearly 100% fatal if prophylactic measures are not followed, an increased awareness of who should receive prophylaxis and when prophylaxis should be administered is necessary. Preexposure prophylaxis entails the administration of the rabies vaccine to individuals at high risk for exposure to rabies viruses (e.g., laboratory workers who handle infected specimens, diagnosticians, veterinarians, animal contro...

China worried by soaring rabies deaths

Monsters and Critics Health News — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 09:20:43 +0100

Beijing - Failure to seek treatment due to ignorance of the risks from dog bites has fuelled a (Source: Monsters and Critics Health News)

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Dogs Canis familiaris as carnivores: their role and function in intraguild competition

Mammal Review — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Dogs Canis familiaris are the world's most common carnivore and are known to interact with wildlife as predators, prey, competitors, and disease reservoirs or vectors. Despite these varied roles in the community, the interaction of dogs with sympatric wild carnivore species is poorly understood. We review how dogs have been classified in the literature, and illustrate how the location and ranging behaviour of dogs are important factors in predicting their interactions with wild prey and carnivores. We detail evidence of dogs as intraguild competitors with sympatric carnivores in the context of exploitative, interference and apparent competition. Dogs can have localized impacts on prey populations, but in general they are not exploitative competitors with carnivores. Rather, most dog popula...

Compendium of Animal Rabies Prevention and Control, 2008

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 00:00:01 +0100

This is the 2008 revision of the Compendium of Animal Rabies Prevention and Control, published by the National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians (NASPHV). Aimed at veterinarians and those interested in rabies prevention and control, this document has a U.S focus and has three parts, covering the principles of rabies prevention and control; recommendations for parenteral rabies vaccination procedures; and rabies vaccines licensed and marketed in the United States. References are provided and this document is made available on the Web by NASPHV. (Source: Latest Internet resources added to Intute: Health and LifenSciences veterinary gateway)

Bayesian Phylogeography Finds Its Roots

PLoS Computational Biology — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Author Summary Spreading in time and space, rapidly evolving viruses can accumulate a considerable amount of genetic variation. As a consequence, viral genomes become valuable resources to reconstruct the spatial and temporal processes that are shaping epidemic or endemic dynamics. In molecular epidemiology, spatial inference is often limited to the interpretation of evolutionary histories with respect to the sampling locations of the pathogens. To test hypotheses about the spatial diffusion patterns of viruses, analytical techniques are required that enable us to reconstruct how viruses migrated in the past. Here, we develop a model to infer diffusion processes among discrete locations in timed evolutionary histories in a statistically efficient fashion. Applications to Avian Influenza A...

Bayesian Phylogeography Finds Its Roots

PLoS Computational Biology — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100