Resumen

HIDALGO, Mayra et al. Study of a rabies outbreak in lara state, Venezuela. January-december 2007. Rev. Fac. Cienc. Vet. [online]. 2008, vol.49, n.2, pp.121-127. ISSN 0258-6576.

In Venezuela, rabies has evolved as endemic-epidemic, causing economic losses to livestock and affecting human health. To report the epidemiological situation of rabies in the State of Lara, Venezuela, from January to December 2007, a total of  228 samples of nervous tissue belonging to a human pacient and various species of domestic and wild animals harvested in the region and in bordering states was analyzed. To detect the presence of the rabies virus antigen, a direct immunofluorescence test (DIF) was used. Virus amplification was carried out in suckling mice. Antigenic characterization was performed by indirect immunofluorescense test using monoclonal antibodies directed against the viral nucleocapsid. Potency of rabies vaccine used during the outbreak was assessed by the NIH method and rabies antibodies title was determined in 51 bovine serum samples by means of the serum neutralization method in young mice. The distribution of the eighteen positive samples in Lara State was as follows: 1 human, 8 cattle, 1 horse, 3 goats, 3 sheeps, and 2 vampire bats (Desmodus rotundus). One horse was detected positive in Cojedes State. Viral strains were classified as type-3 antigenic variant, indicating that the main source of the disease was the Desmodus rotundus. The rabies vaccine used maintained its relative potency in 7.58 IU/mL and the average index of rabies protection was 1:163 DE₅₀/0.03 mL, which was detected in 94% of the sera. This outbreak originated in the Morán Municipality of Lara State, underscoring the great risk that wild rabies represents to human health.

Palabras clave : Chiroptera; rabies; domestic animals; mankind; disease surveillance; vaccines; Lara; Cojedes.

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