Molecular epidemiology of enzootic rabies in California

Background: Molecular characterization of rabies virus has been used to trace spillover transmission from reservoir species to non-reservoir animals and humans (molecular epidemiology), and to monitor emergence of specific strains of the virus into new species and geographic areas (molecular surveillance). Objectives: To characterize the enzootic strains of rabies virus in California wildlife for epidemiological investigation of transmission to non-reservoir animals and humans. Study design: Molecular characterization was performed on rabies strains from 213 bats, 276 terrestrial animals and one human case, by RT-PCR amplification of the viral nucleocapsid (N) gene followed by Dde I digestion and restriction endonuclease analysis (REA). Brain material from 88 terrestrial animals and 74 bats was stained with a panel of 20 monoclonal antibodies (MABs) directed against the N protein. In order to characterize rabies from very small quantities of brain tissue a nested RT-PCR was developed and evaluated for sensitivity of rabies detection. Results and Conclusions: Enzootic terrestrial rabies in California is confined to the Central Valley, the western slope of the Sierra Nevada, and the Central and Northern Pacific Coast Ranges. No terrestrial reservoirs were identified south of the Tehachapi Mountains or east of the Sierra Nevada. Bat strains accounted for rabies in terrestrial animals in these regions. Among terrestrial rabies strains REA identified ten genotypes that segregated geographically and were associated with skunk and fox populations from distinct locations. Go-circulation of three genotypes occurred in Placer County, which had the highest incidence of rabies in skunks. In regions with terrestrial enzootic rabies, the strain from that region accounted for 73% of spillover cases. Bat strains accounted for the remaining 27%. Among terrestrial animals MABs identified three predominant patterns. In rabies strains from bats REA identified ten major and two minor patterns primarily associated with genus and species of bat. Sharing of strains between species was observed. An additional sixteen unclassified REA bat patterns were observed in only one or two individuals of various species. MABs identified four major patterns in bats associated with genus and species of bat with considerable variability. The bat strains most frequently detected in spillover cases throughout California were from the California myotis (Myotis californicus) and Mexican free-tailed bat (Tadarida brasiliensis). Nested RT-PCR increased the detection level of rabies virus 100 000-fold, to 0.03 TCID50 (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.