[Rabies: Epidemiological update and pre- and post-exposure management]. / Rabia: actualización epidemiológica y abordaje pre y postexposición.

Rabies is a deadly neurotropic viral infection but is preventable through vaccination. Its impact on human and animal health is often devastating. Despite advances in research and control of this disease, along with an effective vaccine, rabies continues to be a lingering threat in many parts of the world. Its high incidence reinforces the constant need to address it with scientific and public health measures. In this review article, we will explore the most important characteristics of the disease, its distribution, symptoms, prevention methods, and the global efforts that have been made to eradicate this deadly disease. The most recent research and advancements in the field of rabies will also be discussed in an effort to understand and combat this deadly disease more effectively.

Historia de la rabia en Chile: tres tesis médicas / History of rabies in Chile: three medical theses

En la antigüedad ya se describía la rabia como una enfermedad zoonótica fatal cuyo pronóstico inexorable superaba todas las alter-nativas terapéuticas de los más célebres médicos. La realidad chilena sobre esta enfermedad a fines del siglo XIX fue descrita certeramente por el médico mártir Pedro Videla Órdenes en su tesis "La rabia" de 1879, destacando la descripción clínica de la rabia, su pronóstico fatal y la ausencia de tratamientos eficaces. Tan sólo seis años después, en 1885, el aclamado químico y microbiólogo Louis Pasteur desarrolló la vacuna antirrábica, logrando por primera vez en la historia de la humanidad prevenir esta terrible enfermedad. En Chile, se inició rápidamente la implementación de la vacuna Pasteur, vacunando al primer chileno el 7 de julio de 1896. Los doctores Milcíades Espinosa y Arturo Atria, en sus tesis "Generalidades sobre la rabia" (1898) y "Sobre la rabia y su profilaxia en Chile" (1905), respectivamente, abordaron esta primera etapa del desarrollo de la vacuna antirrábica en el país.

In antiquity, rabies was already described as a fatal zoonotic disease whose inexorable prognosis exceeded all the therapeutic alternatives of the most famous doctors. The Chilean reality about this disease at the end of the 19th century was accurately described by the martyred doctor Pedro Videla Ordenes in his thesis "La rabia" of 1879, highlighting in it his description about the unknown etiological agent, the fatal prognosis of the disease and the absence of effective treatments. Just six years later, in 1885, the acclaimed chemist and microbiologist Louis Pasteur developed the rabies vaccine, managing to prevent this terrible disease for the first time in human history. In Chile, the implementation of the Pasteur vaccine began rapidly, vaccinating the first Chilean on July 7, 1896. Doctors Milcíades Espinosa and Arturo Atria, in their theses "Generalidades sobre la rabia" (1898) and "Sobre la rabia y su profilaxia en Chile" (1905), respectively, addressed this first stage of the development of the rabies vaccine in the country.

Vigilancia, prevención y control de enfermedades zoonóticas de notificación obligatoria en animales: Ciudad de Buenos Aires, julio 2022

Informe con datos de vigilancia de rabia animal, y de otras enfermedades zoonóticas de notificación obligatoria, en la Ciudad de Buenos Aires: observación de animales mordedores, detección de virus rábico en muestras de laboratorio, vigilancia de reservorios de enfermedades zoonóticas, y vacunación antirrábica de animales, durante junio de 2022.

Vigilancia, prevención y control de enfermedades zoonoticas de notificación obligatoria en animales: Ciudad de Buenos Aires, agosto 2022

Informe organizado en cuatro partes: Vigilancia clínica y observación de animales mordedores; Vigilancia de laboratorio y detección de virus rábico en muestras; Vigilancia de otras enfermedades zoonóticas de notificación obligatoria (EZNO); y Medidas de Control, durante agosto de 2022.

Análisis del comportamiento temporal de la rabia en quirópteros de la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires

En los últimos años la positividad en el diagnóstico de rabia en quirópteros de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires se duplicó, pasando de 2.33% promedio entre 2014-2017, a 4,68% promedio del 2018 al 2021.En este Informe se analiza el comportamiento temporal de rabia en murciélagos de esta ciudad para proporcionar un pronóstico de positividad esperada para los próximos meses.

Vigilancia, prevención y control de enfermedades zoonóticas de notificación obligatoria en animales: Ciudad de Buenos Aires, junio 2022 / Surveillance, prevention and control of notifiable zoonotic diseases in animals: Buenos Aires City, june 2022

Informe con datos de vigilancia de rabia animal, y de otras enfermedades zoonóticas de notificación obligatoria, en la Ciudad de Buenos Aires: observación de animales mordedores, detección de virus rábico en muestras de laboratorio, vigilancia de reservorios de enfermedades zoonóticas, y vacunación antirrábica de animales, durante junio de 2022.

Description of human anti-rabies post-exposure prophylaxis care notifications in Brazil, 2014-2019. / Descrição das notificações de atendimento antirrábico humano para profilaxia pós-exposição no Brasil, 2014-2019.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze human anti-rabies post-exposure prophylaxis notifications in Brazil. METHODS: This was a descriptive study using data from the Notifiable Diseases Information System in Brazil, from 2014 to 2019. RESULTS: A total of 4,033,098 anti-rabies medical consultations were notified, averaging 672,183 a year. Percentage care was higher among males (n = 2,111,369; 52.4%), those under 19 years old (n = 1,423,433; 35.3%), living in urban areas (n = 3,386,589; 88.1%), attacked by dogs (n = 3,281,190; 81.5%) and bitten (n = 3,575,717; 81.9%), mainly on the hands and feet (n = 1,541,201; 35.3%). The most frequent prophylactic procedure was observation plus vaccination (n = 1,736,036; 44.2%). Prophylactic procedure was appropriate in 57.8% (n = 2,169,689) of cases and inappropriate in 42.2% (n = 1,582,411) of cases. CONCLUSION: Although there were appropriate prophylactic procedures, we also found procedures that were inappropriate and which, when insufficient, can result in cases of human rabies and, when unnecessary, can result in waste, including shortage of immunobiological products.

Vacunacion antirrábica en caninos y felinos de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires: Año 2021 / Rabies vaccination in Buenos Aires City: Year 2021

El objetivo del presente informe es exponer la situación actual de la vacunación antirrábica de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires, con el fin de realizar una planificación estratégica de prevención y control de la enfermedad. Se utilizaron datos sobre vacunación realizada por veterinarias privadas estimados a partir de la venta de talonarios por parte del Consejo Profesional de Médicos Veterinarios (CPMV); así como la vacunación realizada por los efectores públicos de salud: Instituto de Zoonosis Luis Pasteur (IZLP) y Mascotas de la Ciudad (MC).

Vigilancia, prevención y control de enfermedades zoonóticas de notificación obligatoria en animales: Ciudad de Buenos Aires, marzo 2022 / Surveillance, prevention and control of notifiable zoonotic diseases in animals: Buenos Aires City: march 2022

Informe con datos de vigilancia de rabia animal, y de otras enfermedades zoonóticas de notificación obligatoria, en la Ciudad de Buenos Aires: observación de animales mordedores, detección de virus rábico en muestras de laboratorio, vigilancia de reservorios de enfermedades zoonóticas, y vacunación antirrábica de animales.

Vigilancia, prevención y control de enfermedades zoonóticas de notificación obligatoria en animales: Ciudad de Buenos Aires, febrero 2022 / Surveillance, prevention and control of notifiable zoonotic diseases in animals: Buenos Aires City, february 2022

La vigilancia epidemiológica permite alertar en forma temprana acerca de la ocurrencia de casos y del riesgo de transmisión en un lugar y tiempo determinados, registrar la tendencia a través del tiempo en diferentes áreas geográficas y monitorear las variantes de los virus circulantes. Su propósito es servir a las acciones de prevención y control, y a la orientación de las políticas públicas. La confirmación del diagnóstico por el laboratorio especializado y la efectiva notificación de los casos humanos y animales resultan elementos fundamentales para la vigilancia. En este informe se ofrecen datos de vigilancia de rabia animal, y de otras enfermedades zoonóticas de notificación obligatoria.

[Human Rabies: Optimization of Prevention and Paths Towards the Cure]. / Raiva Humana: Optimização da Prevenção e Caminhos Para a Cura.

INTRODUCTION: Rabies is one of the oldest and deadliest infectious diseases known by human beings and is commonly transmitted by animal bites. Dogs have a major role in the transmission of the virus. Rabies has no approved curative therapy, and its prevention, even though it is highly effective, it is complex, expensive and challenging in terms of accessibility, particularly regarding immunoglobulin. This review aims to provide a practical approach to cost-effective prevention as well as the future perspectives regarding the development of an effective and secure cure. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This review article was based on a search in PubMed using the following MeSH terms: rabies, preexposure and postexposure prophylaxis, rabies immune globulin, treatment, Milwaukee Protocol. RESULTS: Concerning rabies infection, it's important to apply the prevention protocols effectively as early as possible due the unpredictable time window between infection and the appearance of symptoms. The literature shows that is possible to reduce the vaccination dosage and maintain the efficiency of the immunization, and booster vaccination is only required in specific risk groups/populations. DISCUSSION: The current philosophy of cost-effective prevention which consists of canine vaccination, restriction of vaccine overdosage used in humans and the appropriate use of rabies immunoglobulin - could make the prevention of the disease accessible for those countries that need it the most. There are several therapies in development but they're all in early stages of development. CONCLUSION: The development of new and more effective therapeutic and prophylactic approaches is a goal not yet achieved and relies on a better understanding of the disease pathophysiology.

Introdução: A raiva é uma das doenças infecciosas mais antigas e fatais conhecidas pelo ser humano e é maioritariamente transmitida por mordeduras de animais. O cão é o principal vector. A raiva não possui uma terapia curativa aprovada e a sua prevenção ainda que possua altas taxas de eficácia, é complexa, dispendiosa e nem sempre conseguida, muito devido às dificuldades de acesso da imunoglobulina. Esta revisão pretende analisar uma abordagem prática de uma prevenção custo-efectiva e as perspectivas futuras em desenvolvimento de uma cura eficaz e segura.Material e Métodos: Foi utilizada a base de dados da PubMed para pesquisa bibliográfica. Usaram-se os termos MeSH: 'rabies', 'preexposure prophylaxis', 'postexposure prophylaxis', 'rabies immune globulin', 'treatment' e 'Milwaukee Protocol'.Resultados: Relativamente à raiva, é importante executar os protocolos de prevenção atempadamente, devido à imprevisível janela de tempo entre a infecção e a sintomatologia. A literatura mostra que é possível reduzir a dose de vacina mantendo uma eficiente imunização, e que doses de reforço só são necessárias em grupos/populações de risco.Discussão: A actual filosofia de uma prevenção custo-efectiva, que assenta na vacinação canina, restrição de sobredose das vacinas usadas em seres humanos e o uso inteligente da imunoglobulina rábica ­ irá permitir maior acessibilidade da prevenção da doença aos países que mais carecem dela. Encontram-se em progresso terapias promissoras, ainda em estadios precoces de estudo.Conclusão: O desenvolvimento de novas abordagens terapêuticas e profilácticas mais eficazes é um objectivo ainda não alcançado e depende de uma melhor compreensão da patogénese subjacente à doença.

Epidemiologia da raiva humana no estado do Ceará, 1970 a 2019 / Epidemiología de la rabia humana en el estado de Ceará, Brasil, 1970 a 2019 / Epidemiology of human rabies in the state of Ceará, Brazil, 1970 to 2019

Objetivo: Descrever os casos de raiva humana no estado do Ceará, Brasil, no período 1970-2019. Métodos: Estudo descritivo, sobre dados secundários da Secretaria da Saúde e do hospital de referência do Ceará. Resultados: Dos 171 casos, 75,7% ocorreram em homens, 60,0% nas idades até 19 anos e 56,0% em áreas urbanas. O cão foi agente transmissor em 74,0% dos casos; sagui em, 16,7%; e morcego, em 7,3%. Entre 1970 e 1978, houve crescimento do número de casos (pelo Joinpoint Regression Program, percentual da mudança anual [APC] = 13,7 - IC95% 4,6;41,5); e entre 1978 e 2019, redução (APC = -6,7 - IC95% -8,8;-5,9). Houve redução da transmissão por cães (71 casos; último caso em 2010) e aumento relativo por mamíferos silvestres (5 casos a partir de 2005). Conclusão: O estudo evidencia mudança na dinâmica da transmissão da raiva no período observado, com redução da transmissão por cão e incremento de casos por animais silvestres.

Objetivo: Describir los casos de la rabia humana en Ceará, Brasil, 1970-2019. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo con datos secundarios de la Secretaría de Salud y del hospital de referencia de Ceará. Resultados: De los 171 casos, 75,7% ocurrió en hombres, el 60,0% en los 19 años y el 56,0% en áreas urbanas. El perro fue transmisor en 74,0%, el mono tití en 16,7% y el murciélago el 7,3%. Entre 1970 y 1978, hubo un aumento de casos (por el Joinpoint Regression Program, cambio porcentual anual [APC] = 13,7 - IC95% 4,6; 41,5), entre 1978 y 2019 una disminución (APC= -6,7 - IC95% -8,8; -5,9). Hubo una reducción de la transmisión por perros (71 casos, el último en 2010) y un aumento por mamíferos salvajes (5 casos, desde 2005). Conclusión: El estudio muestra un cambio en la dinámica de la transmisión de la rabia en los últimos años, con reducción de la transmisión por perros y aumento de casos por animales salvajes.

Objective: To describe cases of human rabies in Ceará State, Brazil between 1970 and 2019. Methods: This was a descriptive study using secondary data from the Ceará State Department of Health and the state reference hospital. Results: Of 171 cases, 75.7% occurred in males, 60.0% in <19-year-olds, and 56.0% in urban areas. Rabies was transmitted by dogs in 74.0% of cases, marmosets in 16.7% and bats in 7.3%. Between 1970 and 1978, there was an increase of cases (using the Joinpoint Regression Program, annual percentage change [APC] = 13.7 - 95%CI 4.6;41.5), while between 1978 and 2019 there was a decrease (APC = -6.7 - 95%CI -8.8;-5.9). There was a reduction in transmission by dogs (71 cases, last case in 2010) and an increase by sylvatic animals (5 cases since 2005). Conclusion: This study demonstrates changes in rabies transmission dynamics during the period studied, with a reduction in transmission by dogs and an increase of transmission by sylvatic animals.

Informe especial: Análisis comparativo de las denuncias de accidentes por mordeduras de animales de compañía en el contexto del ASPO por Covid-19 / Special report: Comparative analysis of reports of accidents caused by bites of pet animals in the context of ASPO by Covid-19

El aislamiento social, preventivo y obligatorio (ASPO) es una medida excepcional que el Gobierno Nacional adopta en un contexto crítico. Con el fin de proteger la salud pública frente a la propagación de la Covid-19, se dispuso que todas las personas que habitan, o se encuentren temporalmente, en las jurisdicciones donde rige esta normativa deberán permanecer en sus domicilios habituales, sólo pudiendo realizar desplazamientos mínimos e indispensables para aprovisionarse de artículos de limpieza, medicamentos y alimentos (Decreto Nacional 297/2020). En la Ciudad de Autónoma de Buenos Aires (CABA) rige desde el 20 de marzo el ASPO, y se ha ido flexibilizando a lo largo del tiempo. En este contexto se modificaron conductas, actividades e incluso asistencia a los centros de salud para consultas no relacionadas con Covid-19. En este informe pretendemos dar cuenta de la situación en relación a la denuncia de accidentes por mordeduras de animales de compañía. (AU)

[Massive canine and feline vaccination in Mexico: poor governance and market failure]. / Vacunación canina y felina masiva en México: pobre rectoría y fallo de mercado.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze decision-making concerning stewardship and procurement mechanisms in the context of the Program for Prevention and Control of Human Rabies and the National Canine and Feline Vaccination Week in Mexico. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The information was obtained through requests to the National Institute of Transparency, Access to Information and Protection of Personal Data. RESULTS: From 2009 to 2017, 158.9 million doses of canine rabies vaccine (VAR-CF) were applied with an estimated budget of 1 915 million pesos. Our findings suggest weak stewardship and ineffective governance that allows monopolistic practices and fragmented and direct purchases. Prices for the same product vary discretionally between states and are significantly higher than those offered at international level. CONCLUSIONS: After 30 years of operation of the SNVA-C in Mexico, high prices of the VAR-CF persist, which are indicative of a significant market failure, characterized by zero competition, asymmetric information and misaligned incentive structures that precluded favorable price negotiation.

OBJETIVO: Analizar la rectoría y los mecanismos de procuración de insumos en el contexto del Programa de Acción Específico de Prevención y Control de la Rabia Humana y la Semana Nacional de Vacunación Antirrábica canina y felina en México (SNVA-C). MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: La información se obtuvo mediante solicitudes al Instituto Nacional de Transparencia, Acceso a la Información y Protección de Datos Personales. RESULTADOS: De 2009 a 2017 se aplicaron 158.9 millones de dosis de vacuna antirrábica canina y felina (VAR-CF) por un monto de compra aproximado de 1 915 MDP. Se documentó una débil rectoría que permite prácticas monopólicas y compras fragmentadas y directas. Las adquisiciones se han fincado con precios que varían entre entidades federativas y son significativamente más altos que los precios internacionales. CONCLUSIONES: Después de 30 años de operación de la SNVA-C en México, persisten pagos excesivos para la VAR-CF, los cuales son indicativos de una falla importante del mercado, caracterizada por nula competencia, información asimétrica y estructuras de incentivos desalineadas que impiden obtener un precio competitivo.

Vacunación canina y felina masiva en México: pobre rectoría y fallo de mercado / Massive canine and feline vaccination in Mexico: poor governance and market failure

Resume: Objetivo: Analizar la rectoría y los mecanismos de procuración de insumos en el contexto del Programa de Acción Específico de Prevención y Control de la Rabia Humana y la Semana Nacional de Vacunación Antirrábica canina y felina en México (SNVA-C). Material y métodos: La información se obtuvo mediante solicitudes al Instituto Nacional de Transparencia, Acceso a la Información y Protección de Datos Personales. Resultados: De 2009 a 2017 se aplicaron 158.9 millones de dosis de vacuna antirrábica canina y felina (VAR-CF) por un monto de compra aproximado de 1 915 MDP. Se documentó una débil rectoría que permite prácticas monopólicas y compras fragmentadas y directas. Las adquisiciones se han fincado con precios que varían entre entidades federativas y son significativamente más altos que los precios internacionales. Conclusión: Después de 30 años de operación de la SNVA-C en México, persisten pagos excesivos para la VAR-CF, los cuales son indicativos de una falla importante del mercado, caracterizada por nula competencia, información asimétrica y estructuras de incentivos desalineadas que impiden obtener un precio competitivo.

Abstract: Objective: To analyze decision-making concerning stewardship and procurement mechanisms in the context of the Program for Prevention and Control of Human Rabies and the National Canine and Feline Vaccination Week in Mexico. Materials and methods: The information was obtained through requests to the National Institute of Transparency, Access to Information and Protection of Personal Data. Results: From 2009 to 2017, 158.9 million doses of canine rabies vaccine (VAR-CF) were applied with an estimated budget of 1 915 million pesos. Our findings suggest weak stewardship and ineffective governance that allows monopolistic practices and fragmented and direct purchases. Prices for the same product vary discretionally between states and are significantly higher than those offered at international level. Conclusions: After 30 years of operation of the SNVA-C in Mexico, high prices of the VAR-CF persist, which are indicative of a significant market failure, characterized by zero competition, asymmetric information and misaligned incentive structures that precluded favorable price negotiation.

Análise epidemiológica dos atendimentos da profilaxia antirrábica humana associados a acidentes com gatos / Epidemiological analysis of human anti-rabies prophylaxis associated with accidents with cats

Objetivou-se conhecer o perfil epidemiológico do paciente que buscou atendimento antirrábico pós-exposição associado a acidentes com gatos domésticos, em Belo Horizonte/MG, no período de 2007 a 2016. Realizou-se uma análise exploratória das fichas de notificação do atendimento antirrábico humano do Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificações (Sinan). Nos resultados, observou-se que 37,4% das pessoas eram adultas do gênero feminino, com idade entre 20 e 59 anos, 88,7% residentes em área urbana, 26,1% de etnia branca e apenas 31,7% dos pacientes buscaram atendimento antirrábico com até 24 horas da exposição ao vírus rábico. Lesões por mordedura ocorreram em 75,6% dos casos notificados. Quanto às características dos ferimentos, 59,6% foram superficiais, 62,2% ocorreram em mãos/pés e 50,1% foram lesões únicas. Na faixa etária de zero a 10 anos, as regiões anatômicas mãos/pés e cabeça/pescoço/face totalizaram 58,35%. Ressalta-se a necessidade de adoção de ações socioeducativas junto à população, devido ao risco de transmissão de raiva pelo gato, principalmente em áreas em que o vírus rábico circula em populações de morcegos. Sugerem-se melhorias no preenchimento das fichas de notificação do Sinan para melhor compreender o perfil epidemiológico dos pacientes que buscam o atendimento antirrábico e, assim, tornar mais eficaz a gestão desse serviço público.(AU)

The objective of this study was to know the epidemiological profile of the patient who sought post-exposure anti-rabies treatment associated with accidents with domestic cats in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais Brazil, from 2007 to 2016. An exploratory analysis of the reports on human rabies of the Notification of Injury Information System was performed. In the results, it was observed that 37.4% of the individuals were female adults aged 20-59 years, 88.7% were urban residents, 26.1% were white, and only 31.7% sought anti-rabies care within 24 hours of exposure to the rabies virus. Bite lesions occurred in 75.6%. Regarding the type of wound, 59.6% were superficial; as for the anatomical location, 62.2% occurred in hands / feet and 50.1% were single lesions. It is necessary to adopt socio-educational actions among the population, due to the risk of transmission of the rabies by the cat, especially in areas where the rabies virus circulates in bat populations. Improvements in the completion of the SINAN notification sheets are suggested to better understand the epidemiological profile of patients seeking anti-rabies treatment and thus improve the management of this public service.(AU)

Nota técnica sobre esquema de profilaxia da raiva / Technical note on rabies prophylaxis scheme

Critérios para esquema de prevenção de raiva no Estado do Tocantins. Controle sorológico. Restrito a pessoas com risco de exposição permanente ao vírus da raiva, como: Médicos veterinários, técnicos da Agência de Defesa Agropecuária, biólogos, funcionários do Naturatins que atuam em captura de mamíferos silvestres, espeleólogos.

Criteria for a rabies prevention scheme in the State of Tocantins. Serological control. Restricted to people at risk of permanent exposure to the rabies virus, such as: Veterinarians, technicians from the Agricultural Defense Agency, biologists, Naturatins employees who work in capturing wild mammals, cavers.

Criterios para un plan de prevención de la rabia en el estado de Tocantins. Control serológico. Restringido a personas en riesgo de exposición permanente al virus de la rabia, tales como: Veterinarios, técnicos de la Agencia de Defensa Agrícola, biólogos, empleados de Naturatins que trabajan en la captura de mamíferos silvestres, espeleólogos.

Rabies postexposure prophylaxis in international travellers: Results from a Spanish travellers referral unit.

BACKGROUND: Rabies represents a major public health issue for travellers because pretravel preexposure (PrEP) rabies vaccination is not routinely indicated. For those unvaccinated, adequate postexposure prophylaxis (PEP), including rabies immunoglobulin (RIG) if needed, is the only effective method to prevent this fatal disease. METHODS: Descriptive retrospective study at a National Referral Unit for Tropical and Travel Medicine in Madrid, Spain, among travellers treated with PEP for rabies (January 2012-December 2017). Demographic, clinical and management data were reviewed. RESULTS: 168 patients were treated for possible rabies exposure (53% females, median age 35 years; IQR: 31-42). Southeast Asia accounted for more than half of the cases (N=86, 57.3%; CI 95% 49-65%). Dogs were the primary animal involved (n=67, 44.9%; CI 37-53%). After the bite, in half of the cases (n=88, 52.4%; CI 44-60%) PEP rabies vaccine was started abroad, and the vaccine plus RIG in about 10% (n=22, 13.1%; CI: 8-19%). Most of patients classified as category III did not received RIG at all (n=88, 69.3% CI: 60-77%). CONCLUSIONS: Although indicated, most travellers did not receive RIG abroad, nor appropriate first doses of PEP. Clinicians should be aware of the importance of appropriate PrEP in selected individuals.

Transmisión vertical del virus de la rabia cría-madre, fenómeno que podría mantener al virus en especies reservorios de vida silvestre / Vertical transmission of the rabies virus from calf to mother, a phenomenon that could maintain the virus in reservoir species of wildlife

Resumen Introducción: La prueba biológica establecida por la Organización Mundial de la Salud para aislar y amplificar el virus de la rabia consiste en inocular vía intracraneal ratones lactantes para detectar signos de rabia en un periodo de 21 días. Objetivo: Constatar el contagio viral en las madres de ratones lactantes inoculados con virus de la rabia. Método: Veintisiete aislados mexicanos de virus de la rabia se inocularon vía intracraneal en ratones lactantes, los cuales fueron observados por 21 días y sus madres, por 60 días. El diagnóstico se llevó a cabo mediante inmunofluorescencia en cerebro. El virus se caracterizó por secuenciación y anticuerpos monoclonales. Resultados: Todas las camadas presentaron rabia entre siete y 15 días posinoculación (p. i.); tres de las 27 hembras (11 %), a los días 33, 37 y 39 p. i. de sus crías. La caracterización viral mostró que las madres se infectaron con la misma variante de sus crías, dos procedían de murciélago hematófago y una de perro. Las camadas que trasmitieron rabia a sus madres fueron nueve individuos. Conclusiones: En la naturaleza, el virus de la rabia podría preservarse mediante la transmisión de los neonatos (más susceptibles de contraer y amplificar el virus) a sus madres.

Abstract Introduction: The biological test established by the World Health Organization to isolate and amplify the rabies virus consists in inoculating lactating mice by intracranial route and detecting rabies signs for 21 days. Objective: To verify viral transmission in mothers of rabies virus-inoculated lactating mice. Method: Twenty-seven Mexican rabies virus isolates were inoculated by intracranial route in lactating mice, which were observed for 21 days. The mothers were observed for 60 days. The diagnosis was established by immunofluorescence in brain tissue. The virus was characterized by sequencing and with monoclonal antibodies. Results: All litters showed rabies at between 7 and 15 days post-inoculation (p. i.). Three of the 27 females (11 %) had developed rabies at days 33, 37 and 39 p. i. of their litters. Viral characterization showed that the mothers were infected with the same variant of their offspring, two of them stemming from hematophagous bat and one from dog. The liters that transmitted rabies to their mothers were nine individuals. Conclusions: In nature, the rabies virus could be preserved by transmission from neonates (more susceptible to contracting and amplifying the rabies virus) to their mothers.