Determination of bat lyssavirus in Slovenia
Background: To study bats, as a reservoir for European bat lyssavirus (EBLV) in Slovenia, native bat samples were tested in year 2008. Bats were captured from diff erent locations in Slovenia and blood samples, mouth and brain swabs were collected from live and dead bats. 260 samples of oral swabs a...
| Main Authors: | , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Slovenian Medical Association
2010-03-01
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| Series: | Zdravniški Vestnik |
| Online Access: | http://vestnik.szd.si/index.php/ZdravVest/article/view/238 |
| Summary: | Background: To study bats, as a reservoir for European
bat lyssavirus (EBLV) in Slovenia, native
bat samples were tested in year 2008. Bats were
captured from diff erent locations in Slovenia and
blood samples, mouth and brain swabs were collected
from live and dead bats. 260 samples of
oral swabs and 38 brain samples were tested by
specifi c RT-PCR assay to detect lyssavirus genome.
Results: 216 blood samples, collected from the
same bats, were tested by FAVN (Fluorescent
Antibody Virus Neutralization) test to detect
the prevalence of lyssavirus antibodies among
bats. Virus RNA was not detected in any of the
samples, all blood samples werealso negative for
specifi c antibodies.
Conclusions: Despite the data from this study,
EBL viruses can cause fatal infections in humans
and all bats involved in contact incidents with
humans should be tested to determine whether
the victim was exposed to EBL virus. In order
to prevent lyssavirus transmission from bats to
humans, all bat handlers and laboratory personnel
should be informed about the possible risk
of lyssavirus exposure via bats and their vaccination
against rabies is strongly recommended . |
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| ISSN: | 1318-0347 1581-0224 |