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Tenzin T, Hikufe EH, Hedimbi N, Athingo R, Shikongo MB, Shuro T, Iipinge J, Herman N, Naunyango M, Haufiku F, Peter J, Hango L, Gottlieb S, Shoombe K, Denzin N, Busch F, Lohr F, Letshwenyo M, Torres G, Freuling CM, Müller T, Shilongo A. Dog ecology and rabies knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) in the Northern Communal Areas of Namibia. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2024; 18:e0011631. [PMID: 38315727 PMCID: PMC10881021 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
In 2021, a comprehensive dog demographic questionnaire combined with a KAP survey were conducted in the northern communal areas (NCAs) of Namibia with the aim of gaining a better understanding of dog populations, owner behaviour, and knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) relating to rabies. The survey of 3,726 households across the eight regions of the NCAs provided insights that will inform interventions in order to improve human rabies prevention and Namibia's dog rabies control strategy. The results showed a relatively low average human/dog ratio (HDR) of 5.4:1 indicating a surprisingly high dog population of at least 272,000 dogs in the NCAs, 93% of which appear to be owned but are free-roaming. Data analysis revealed opportunities but also highlighted needs for improvements in rabies surveillance and mass dog vaccinations. Although knowledge, attitude, and practice scores towards epidemiologic and clinical aspects, human rabies prevention, and dog rabies vaccination were deemed to be acceptable, the survey nevertheless revealed deficiencies in certain aspects in some of the population. Interestingly, data seemed to indicate relatively high dog bite incidences per 100,000 people, ranging between 262 and 1,369 and a certain number of unreported human rabies cases. Despite the very high number of dogs, only 50% of dog-owning households reported having vaccinated their dogs. In order to address these issues, the planning, announcement, and implementation of mass dog vaccination campaigns needs to be adapted to achieve adequate vaccination coverage. Another focus needs to be on rabies awareness and education if Namibia is to be significantly contributing to the global goal of "Zero by 30".
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Affiliation(s)
- Tenzin Tenzin
- World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), Sub-Regional Representation for Southern Africa, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Emmanuel H. Hikufe
- Directorate of Veterinary Services, Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform, Windhoek, Namibia
| | - Nehemia Hedimbi
- State Veterinary Office, Ministry of Agriculture, Water & Land Reform, Directorate of Veterinary Services, Kunene region, Opuwo, Namibia
| | - Rauna Athingo
- Animal Disease Control—North, State Veterinary Office, Ministry of Agriculture, Water & Land Reform, Directorate of Veterinary Services, Ongwediva, Namibia
| | - Mainelo Beatrice Shikongo
- State Veterinary Office, Ministry of Agriculture, Water & Land Reform, Directorate of Veterinary Services, Zambezi region, Katima Mulilo, Namibia
| | - Thompson Shuro
- State Veterinary Office, Ministry of Agriculture, Water & Land Reform, Directorate of Veterinary Services, Kavango East region, Rundu, Namibia
| | - Johannes Iipinge
- State Veterinary Office, Ministry of Agriculture, Water & Land Reform, Directorate of Veterinary Services, Oshana region, Ondangwa, Namibia
| | - Nelson Herman
- State Veterinary Office, Ministry of Agriculture, Water & Land Reform, Directorate of Veterinary Services, Oshana region, Ondangwa, Namibia
| | - Matias Naunyango
- State Veterinary Office, Ministry of Agriculture, Water & Land Reform, Directorate of Veterinary Services, Ohangwena region, Eenhana, Namibia
| | - Frenada Haufiku
- State Veterinary Office, Ministry of Agriculture, Water & Land Reform, Directorate of Veterinary Services, Oshikoto region, Omuthiya, Namibia
| | - Josephat Peter
- State Veterinary Office, Ministry of Agriculture, Water & Land Reform, Directorate of Veterinary Services, Omusati region, Outapi, Namibia
| | - Laina Hango
- State Veterinary Office, Ministry of Agriculture, Water & Land Reform, Directorate of Veterinary Services, Omusati region, Outapi, Namibia
| | - Sara Gottlieb
- State Veterinary Office, Ministry of Agriculture, Water & Land Reform, Directorate of Veterinary Services, Kavango East region, Nkurunkuru, Namibia
| | - Kenneth Shoombe
- Animal Disease Control—North, State Veterinary Office, Ministry of Agriculture, Water & Land Reform, Directorate of Veterinary Services, Ongwediva, Namibia
| | - Nicolai Denzin
- Institute of Epidemiology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI), Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Frank Busch
- Institute of International Animal Health/One Health, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI), Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | | | - Moetapele Letshwenyo
- World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), Sub-Regional Representation for Southern Africa, Gaborone, Botswana
| | | | - Conrad M. Freuling
- Institute of Molecular Virology and Cell Biology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI), WHO Collaborating Centre for Rabies Surveillance and Research, WOAH Reference Laboratory for Rabies, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Thomas Müller
- Institute of Molecular Virology and Cell Biology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI), WHO Collaborating Centre for Rabies Surveillance and Research, WOAH Reference Laboratory for Rabies, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Albertina Shilongo
- Directorate of Veterinary Services, Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform, Windhoek, Namibia
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Freuling CM, Busch F, Shikongo MB, Silume N, van der Westhuizen J, Khaiseb S, Shilongo A, Müller T. Emergency response using oral rabies vaccination of dogs -field data from Namibia demonstrate high efficiency. One Health 2023; 16:100562. [PMID: 37363208 PMCID: PMC10288086 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2023.100562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Dog-mediated rabies is responsible for tens of thousands of human deaths annually, and in resource-constrained settings, vaccinating dogs to control the disease at source remains challenging for various reasons. Currently, rabies elimination efforts rely on mass dog vaccination by the parenteral route. While oral rabies vaccination (ORV) of dogs is primarily considered a tool to increase herd immunity, particularly by targeting free-roaming and stray dogs, here, we are showcasing an ORV-only approach as an emergency response model. Using a third-generation vaccine and a standardized egg-flavored bait, we assessed the effectiveness and vaccination under field conditions in the Zambezi region of Namibia. During this trial, with four teams and within four working days, 3097 dogs were offered a bait, of which 88,0% were considered vaccinated. Teams managed to vaccinate, on average, over 20 dogs/h, despite using a door-to-door vaccination approach. The favorable results both in terms of bait acceptance and successful vaccination as well as field applicability and effectiveness further support the great potential of ORV in dog rabies control programmes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Conrad M. Freuling
- Institute of Molecular Virology and Cell Biology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI), WHO Collaborating Centre for Rabies Surveillance and Research, OIE Reference Laboratory for Rabies, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Frank Busch
- Institute of International Animal Health/One Health, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI), 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Mainelo Beatrice Shikongo
- Animal Disease Control, Zambezi Region, Ministry of Agriculture, Water & Land Reform, Directorate of Veterinary Services, State Veterinary Office, Katima Mulilo, Namibia
| | - Nzwana Silume
- Animal Disease Control, Zambezi Region, Ministry of Agriculture, Water & Land Reform, Directorate of Veterinary Services, State Veterinary Office, Katima Mulilo, Namibia
| | - Jolandie van der Westhuizen
- Central Veterinary Laboratory, Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS), Ministry of Agriculture Water and Land Reform, Windhoek, Namibia
| | - Siegfried Khaiseb
- Central Veterinary Laboratory, Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS), Ministry of Agriculture Water and Land Reform, Windhoek, Namibia
| | - Albertina Shilongo
- Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS), Ministry of Agriculture Water and Land Reform, Windhoek, Namibia
| | - Thomas Müller
- Institute of Molecular Virology and Cell Biology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI), WHO Collaborating Centre for Rabies Surveillance and Research, OIE Reference Laboratory for Rabies, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
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Ahmed SA, Kotepui M, Masangkay FR, Milanez GD, Karanis P. Gastrointestinal parasites in Africa: A review. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2023; 119:1-64. [PMID: 36707173 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2022.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Data on human gastrointestinal parasites (GIP) infections in the african sub-regions and countries are mainly lacking in terms of prevalence and population stratification by afflicted age group, symptomatology, multi-parasitism, and diagnostic methods. This study aims to describe the GIP reported in african countries and discuss the extent of the burden in the african context. Only 68.42% (39/57) of african countries reported human cases of GIP with helminths (45%, CI: 40-50%, I2: 99.79%) as the predominant parasitic group infecting the african population. On a regional scale, Central Africa had the highest pooled prevalence for GIP (43%, CI: 32-54%, I2: 99.74%), while the Central African Republic led all countries with a pooled prevalence of 90% (CI: 89-92%, I2: 99.96%). The vulnerable population (patients who are minorities, children, old, poor, underfunded, or have particular medical conditions) was the most affected (50%, CI: 37-62%, I2: 99.33%), with the predominance of GIP in the 6 to <20 years age group (48%, CI: 43-54%, I2: 99.68%). Reports on multi-parasitism (44%, CI: 40-48%, I2: 99.73%) were almost double the reports of single infections (43%, CI: 27-59%, I2: 99.77%) with combined molecular and non-molecular techniques demonstrating the best performance for GIP identification. The current review spans more than 40 years of GIP reports from the african continent. Geographical characteristics, environmental factors, habits of its inhabitants, and their health status play a crucial role in GIP modulation and behaviour in its captive hosts. Strategies for regular and enhanced surveillance, policy formation, and high-level community awareness are necessary to identify the true incidence in Africa and the transmission of the pathogens via water and food.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahira A Ahmed
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Manas Kotepui
- Medical Technology Program, School of Allied Health Sciences, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
| | - Frederick R Masangkay
- Department of Medical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines
| | - Giovanni D Milanez
- Department of Medical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines
| | - Panagiotis Karanis
- University of Cologne, Medical Faculty and University Hospital, Cologne, Germany; University of Nicosia Medical School, Nicosia, Cyprus.
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From Field Tests to Molecular Tools-Evaluating Diagnostic Tests to Improve Rabies Surveillance in Namibia. Viruses 2023; 15:v15020371. [PMID: 36851585 PMCID: PMC9966532 DOI: 10.3390/v15020371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Rabies is endemic in Namibia and is present both in wildlife carnivores and domestic free-roaming dogs. The disease thus represents a challenge for public human and veterinary disease control. Namibia has implemented a national strategic plan to control rabies and the country's activities are supported by international organizations. To this end, rabies diagnosis at the Central Veterinary Laboratory (CVL) was improved in the frame of a World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) laboratory twinning program: from practical sampling techniques and the use of lateral flow devices to a novel universal and discriminatory quantitative real-time Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), which easily identify dog-associated rabies viruses. The procedures applied and the results can be used as a template to improve rabies laboratory diagnosis.
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Giraudet CSE, Liu K, McElligott AG, Cobb M. Are children and dogs best friends? A scoping review to explore the positive and negative effects of child-dog interactions. PeerJ 2022; 10:e14532. [PMID: 36570006 PMCID: PMC9774011 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.14532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Personal wellbeing is greatly influenced by our childhood and adolescence, and the relationships formed during those phases of our development. The human-dog bond represents a significant relationship that started thousands of years ago. There is a higher prevalence of dog ownership around the world, especially in households including children. This has resulted in a growing number of researchers studying our interactions with dogs and an expanding evidence base from the exploration of child-dog interactions. We review the potential effects of child-dog interactions on the physical, mental, and social wellbeing of both species. A search of the SCOPUS database identified documents published between January 1980 and April 2022. Filtering for key inclusion criteria, duplicate removals, and inspecting the references of these documents for additional sources, we reviewed a total of 393 documents, 88% of which were scientific articles. We were able to define the numerous ways in which children and dogs interact, be it neutral (e.g., sharing a common area), positive (e.g., petting), or negative (e.g., biting). Then, we found evidence for an association between childhood interaction with dogs and an array of benefits such as increased physical activities, a reduction of stress, and the development of empathy. Nonetheless, several detrimental outcomes have also been identified for both humans and dogs. Children are the most at-risk population regarding dog bites and dog-borne zoonoses, which may lead to injuries/illness, a subsequent fear of dogs, or even death. Moreover, pet bereavement is generally inevitable when living with a canine companion and should not be trivialized. With a canine focus, children sometimes take part in caretaking behaviors toward them, such as feeding or going for walks. These represent opportunities for dogs to relieve themselves outside, but also to exercise and socialize. By contrast, a lack of physical activity can lead to the onset of obesity in both dogs and children. Dogs may present greater levels of stress when in the presence of children. Finally, the welfare of assistance, therapy, and free-roaming dogs who may interact with children remains underexplored. Overall, it appears that the benefits of child-dog interactions outweigh the risks for children but not for dogs; determination of the effects on both species, positive as well as negative, still requires further development. We call for longitudinal studies and cross-cultural research in the future to better understand the impact of child-dog interactions. Our review is important for people in and outside of the scientific community, to pediatricians, veterinarians, and current or future dog owners seeking to extend their knowledge, and to inform future research of scientists studying dogs and human-animal interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire S. E. Giraudet
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Centre for Animal Health and Welfare, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Kai Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Animal Health Research Centre, Chengdu Research Institute, City University of Hong Kong, Chengdu, China
| | - Alan G. McElligott
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Centre for Animal Health and Welfare, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Mia Cobb
- Animal Welfare Science Centre, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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Freuling CM, Busch F, Vos A, Ortmann S, Lohr F, Hedimbi N, Peter J, Nelson HA, Shoombe K, Shilongo A, Gorejena B, Kaholongo L, Khaiseb S, van der Westhuizen J, Dietze K, Geurtse G, Müller T. Oral rabies vaccination of dogs—Experiences from a field trial in Namibia. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010422. [PMID: 35994498 PMCID: PMC9436088 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Dog-mediated rabies is responsible for tens of thousands of human deaths annually, and in resource-constrained settings, vaccinating dogs to control the disease at source remains challenging. Currently, rabies elimination efforts rely on mass dog vaccination by the parenteral route. To increase the herd immunity, free-roaming and stray dogs need to be specifically addressed in the vaccination campaigns, with oral rabies vaccination (ORV) of dogs being a possible solution. Using a third-generation vaccine and a standardized egg-flavoured bait, bait uptake and vaccination was assessed under field conditions in Namibia. During this trial, both veterinary staff as well as dog owners expressed their appreciation to this approach of vaccination. Of 1,115 dogs offered a bait, 90% (n = 1,006, 95%CI:91–94) consumed the bait and 72.9% (n = 813, 95%CI:70.2–75.4) of dogs were assessed as being vaccinated by direct observation, while for 11.7% (n = 130, 95%CI:9.9–17.7) the status was recorded as “unkown” and 15.4% (n = 172, 95%CI: 13.4–17.7) were considered as being not vaccinated. Smaller dogs and dogs offered a bait with multiple other dogs had significantly higher vaccination rates, while other factors, e.g. sex, confinement status and time had no influence. The favorable results of this first large-scale field trial further support the strategic integration of ORV into dog rabies control programmes. Given the acceptance of the egg-flavored bait under various settings worldwide, ORV of dogs could become a game-changer in countries, where control strategies using parenteral vaccination alone failed to reach sufficient vaccination coverage in the dog population. Rabies in dogs can be prevented by vaccination, and this approach has become a cornerstone in the control and eventual elimination of the disease. However, vaccinating hard-to-reach often free-roaming dogs are a challenge and represents one of the challenges to reach sufficient herd-immunity. A potential solution would be to vaccinate these dogs using oral baits filled with a vaccine. In this study we have assessed the acceptability of oral rabies vaccination (ORV) in Namibian dogs under field conditions. The results demonstrate that the method is acceptable both for the owners and the dogs, with a very high uptake of the egg-flavored bait. This supports the potential of ORV to contribute to vaccination programs where parenteral vaccination alone failed to reach sufficient vaccination coverage in the dog population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Conrad Martin Freuling
- Institute of Molecular Virology and Cell Biology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI), WHO Collaborating Centre for Rabies Surveillance and Research, WOAH Reference Laboratory for Rabies, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | - Frank Busch
- Institute of International Animal Health/One Health, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI), Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Adriaan Vos
- Ceva Innovation Center GmbH, Dessau–Rosslau, Germany
| | | | | | - Nehemia Hedimbi
- Animal Disease Control, Kunene, Ministry of Agriculture, Water & Land Reform, Directorate of Veterinary Services, State Veterinary Office, Opuwo, Namibia
| | - Josephat Peter
- Directorate of Veterinary Services, State Veterinary Office, Omusati, Namibia
| | | | - Kenneth Shoombe
- Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer, Animal Disease Control, North, Ministry of Agriculture, Water & Land Reform, Directorate of Veterinary Services, State Veterinary Office, Ongwediva, Namibia
| | - Albertina Shilongo
- Chief Veterinary Officer, Directorate of Veterinary Services, Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform, Windhoek, Namibia
| | - Brighton Gorejena
- Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Ogongo Campus, University of Namibia, Wnindhoek, Namibia
| | - Lukas Kaholongo
- Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Ogongo Campus, University of Namibia, Wnindhoek, Namibia
| | - Siegfried Khaiseb
- Central Veterinary Laboratory, Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS), Ministry of Agriculture Water and Land Reform, Windhoek, Namibia
| | - Jolandie van der Westhuizen
- Central Veterinary Laboratory, Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS), Ministry of Agriculture Water and Land Reform, Windhoek, Namibia
| | - Klaas Dietze
- Institute of International Animal Health/One Health, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI), Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | | | - Thomas Müller
- Institute of Molecular Virology and Cell Biology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI), WHO Collaborating Centre for Rabies Surveillance and Research, WOAH Reference Laboratory for Rabies, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
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Rupprecht CE, Mani RS, Mshelbwala PP, Recuenco SE, Ward MP. Rabies in the Tropics. CURRENT TROPICAL MEDICINE REPORTS 2022; 9:28-39. [PMID: 35371908 PMCID: PMC8960221 DOI: 10.1007/s40475-022-00257-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Purpose of Review Rabies is an ancient yet still neglected tropical disease (NTD). This review focuses upon highlights of recent research and peer-reviewed communications on the underestimated tropical burden of disease and its management due to the complicated dynamics of virulent viral species, diverse mammalian reservoirs, and tens of millions of exposed humans and animals – and how laboratory-based surveillance at each level informs upon pathogen spread and risks of transmission, for targeted prevention and control. Recent Findings While both human and rabies animal cases in enzootic areas over the past 5 years were reported to PAHO/WHO and OIE by member countries, still there is a huge gap between these “official” data and the need for enhanced surveillance efforts to meet global program goals. Summary A review of the complex aspects of rabies perpetuation in human, domestic animal, and wildlife communities, coupled with a high fatality rate despite the existence of efficacious biologics (but no therapeutics), warrants the need for a One Health approach toward detection via improved laboratory-based surveillance, with focal management at the viral source. More effective methods to prevent the spread of rabies from enzootic to free zones are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles E. Rupprecht
- LYSSA LLC, Atlanta, GA USA
- School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL USA
| | - Reeta S. Mani
- Department of Neurovirology, WHO Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research in Rabies, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, Karnataka India
| | - Philip P. Mshelbwala
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Abuja, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Sergio E. Recuenco
- Facultad de Medicina San Fernando, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Peru
| | - Michael P. Ward
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Camden, NSW Australia
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Nyasulu PS, Weyer J, Tschopp R, Mihret A, Aseffa A, Nuvor SV, Tamuzi JL, Nyakarahuka L, Helegbe GK, Ntinginya NE, Gebreyesus MT, Doumbia S, Busse R, Drosten C. Rabies mortality and morbidity associated with animal bites in Africa: a case for integrated rabies disease surveillance, prevention and control: a scoping review. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e048551. [PMID: 34857556 PMCID: PMC8640643 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-048551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this scoping review was to map the current situation and available evidence and gaps on rabies morbidity, mortality, integrated rabies surveillance programmes, and existing prevention and control strategies in Africa. METHODS We conducted a systematic scoping review following the Joanna Briggs methodology and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for scoping reviews checklist. Medline, Embase, CINAHL (EBSCOHost), Scopus, Web of Science and rabies web conferences were used to search for peer-reviewed publications between January 1946 and May 2020. Two researchers reviewed the studies and extracted data based on author (year) and region, study design and data collection duration, participants/comparators, interventions, control conditions/exposures and outcomes (rabies mortality and morbidity) and key findings/gaps/challenges. The results were reported narratively using Arksey and O'Malley's methodological framework. RESULTS Electronic search yielded 2775 records, of which 43 studies were included. A total of 543 714 bite victims were censored through the included studies. Most of the victims were less than 15 years of age. The studies included rabies morbidity (21) and mortality (15) fluctuating in space and time across Africa depending on countries' rabies prevention and control practices (16). Others were surveillance (nine studies); surveillance and prevention (five studies); management and control (seven studies); and surveillance, prevention and control (six studies). We found challenges in rabies reporting, existing dog vaccination programmes and post-exposure prophylaxis availability or compliance. CONCLUSION This study found challenges for dog rabies control and elimination in Africa and the need for a policy to drive the goal of zero dog-transmitted rabies to humans by 2030.This is an open-access article distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license, which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, build on this work non-commercially, and license their derivative works on different terms, provided the original work is properly cited, appropriate credit is given, any changes made indicated and the use is non-commercial (see http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/).
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Suwirakwenda Nyasulu
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Jacqueline Weyer
- Centre for Emerging Zoonosis and Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Communicable Diseases, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Rea Tschopp
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Armauer Hansen Research Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Adane Mihret
- Armauer Hansen Research Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Abraham Aseffa
- Armauer Hansen Research Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Samuel Victor Nuvor
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Jacques Lukenze Tamuzi
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Luke Nyakarahuka
- Department of Biosecurity, Ecosystems and Veterinary Public Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Gideon Kofi Helegbe
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana
| | - Nyanda Elias Ntinginya
- Mbeya Medical Research Centre, National Institute of Medical Research, Mbeya, Tanzania, United Republic of
| | | | - Seydou Doumbia
- Faculty of Medicine and Odontostomatology & University Clinical Research Center, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technology of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Reinhard Busse
- Department of Health Care Management, Technical University Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christian Drosten
- Institute of Virology, Charité-University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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Renewed Public Health Threat from Emerging Lyssaviruses. Viruses 2021; 13:v13091769. [PMID: 34578350 PMCID: PMC8472001 DOI: 10.3390/v13091769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Pathogen discovery contributes to our knowledge of bat-borne viruses and is linked to the heightened interest globally in bats as recognised reservoirs of zoonotic agents. The transmission of lyssaviruses from bats-to-humans, domestic animals, or other wildlife species is uncommon, but interest in these pathogens remains due to their ability to cause an acute, progressive, invariably fatal encephalitis in humans. Consequently, the detection and characterisation of bat lyssaviruses continues to expand our knowledge of their phylogroup definition, viral diversity, host species association, geographical distribution, evolution, mechanisms for perpetuation, and the potential routes of transmission. Although the opportunity for lyssavirus cross-species transmission seems rare, adaptation in a new host and the possibility of onward transmission to humans requires continued investigation. Considering the limited efficacy of available rabies biologicals it is important to further our understanding of protective immunity to minimize the threat from these pathogens to public health. Hence, in addition to increased surveillance, the development of a niche pan-lyssavirus vaccine or therapeutic biologics for post-exposure prophylaxis for use against genetically divergent lyssaviruses should be an international priority as these emerging lyssaviruses remain a concern for global public health.
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Kim PK, Ahn JS, Kim CM, Seo JM, Keum SJ, Lee HJ, Choo MJ, Kim MS, Lee JY, Maeng KE, Shin JY, Yi KS, Osinubi MOV, Franka R, Greenberg L, Shampur M, Rupprecht CE, Lee SY. A broad-spectrum and highly potent human monoclonal antibody cocktail for rabies prophylaxis. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0256779. [PMID: 34469480 PMCID: PMC8409651 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0256779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is highly effective in preventing disease progression of rabies when used in timely and appropriate manner. The key treatment for PEP is infiltration of rabies immune globulin (RIG) into lesion site after bite exposure, besides wound care and vaccination. Unfortunately, however, RIG is expensive and its supply is limited. Currently, several anti-rabies virus monoclonal antibody (mAb) products are under development as alternatives to RIG, and two recently received regulatory approval in India. In this study, fully human mAbs that recognize different rabies virus glycoprotein conformational antigenic site (II and III) were created from peripheral blood mononuclear cells of heathy vaccinated subjects. These mAbs neutralized a diverse range of lyssavirus types. As at least two anti-rabies virus mAbs are recommended for use in human PEP to ensure broad coverage against diverse lyssaviruses and to minimize possible escape variants, two most potent mAbs, NP-19-9 and 11B6, were selected to be used as cocktail treatment. These two mAbs were broadly reactive to different types of lyssaviruses isolates, and were shown to have no interference with each other. These results suggest that NP-19-9 and 11B6 are potent candidates to be used for PEP, suggesting further studies involving clinical studies in human.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pan Kyeom Kim
- Department of Research and Development, Celltrion, INC, Incheon, Republic of Korea
- * E-mail:
| | - Jung Sun Ahn
- Department of Research and Development, Celltrion, INC, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Cheol Min Kim
- Department of Research and Development, Celltrion, INC, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Min Seo
- Department of Research and Development, Celltrion, INC, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Sun Ju Keum
- Department of Research and Development, Celltrion, INC, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Joo Lee
- Department of Research and Development, Celltrion, INC, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Min Joo Choo
- Department of Research and Development, Celltrion, INC, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Min Soo Kim
- Department of Research and Development, Celltrion, INC, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jun Young Lee
- Department of Research and Development, Celltrion, INC, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Ki Eun Maeng
- Department of Research and Development, Celltrion, INC, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Young Shin
- Department of Research and Development, Celltrion, INC, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Kye Sook Yi
- Department of Research and Development, Celltrion, INC, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Modupe O. V. Osinubi
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Richard Franka
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Lauren Greenberg
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Madhusudana Shampur
- National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore, India
| | | | - Soo Young Lee
- Department of Research and Development, Celltrion, INC, Incheon, Republic of Korea
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Mshelbwala PP, Weese JS, Sanni-Adeniyi OA, Chakma S, Okeme SS, Mamun AA, Rupprecht CE, Magalhaes RJS. Rabies epidemiology, prevention and control in Nigeria: Scoping progress towards elimination. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009617. [PMID: 34398902 PMCID: PMC8389847 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Human rabies remains a significant public health problem in Africa with outbreaks reported in most countries. In Nigeria–the most populous country in Africa–rabies causes a significant public health burden partly due to perennial obstacles to implementing a national prevention and control program. Methods We conducted a scoping review using standard Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines to identify and select published articles from Nigeria during 1978–2020 reporting on rabies virus infections (human, canine, livestock, and wildlife), canine bites, knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) surveys on rabies and canine ecology studies. We extracted information on study location, year and additional details of each study such as rabies prevalence, general characteristics of offending dogs, dog vaccination status and health-seeking behaviours. Findings Between 1978 and 2020, 90 published articles met our inclusion criteria. The prevalence of rabies virus antigen detection varied between 3% and 28%, with more studies in the north. Most bites were unprovoked from dog bite studies (36.4%-97%), by dogs with low vaccination rates (12–38%). A more significant proportion of biting dogs were owned (31–90%). Laboratory confirmation for biting was available for only a small proportion of studies (6%; n = 2/32). Of the dogs surveyed during ecology studies, indigenous dogs accounted for the majority (62–98%), used mostly for security purposes (52–98%), with the vaccination rate between 15% and 38% in most states. Studies conducted in areas distant from rabies diagnostic facilities accounted for more human rabies cases and fewer dog rabies cases. Conclusion Significant improvements are necessary to achieve the elimination of human rabies mediated via dogs by 2030. Rabies remains one of the deadliest zoonoses known to humanity since antiquity, resulting in tens of thousands of human deaths each year, mostly in African and Asian countries. Mass dog vaccination, enhanced surveillance, improved access to Pre-exposure prophylaxis(PrE) and (Post-exposure prophylaxis(PEP) to at-risk groups, enforcement of responsible dog ownership and public education are keystones to rabies prevention and control. Since the first reported case in Nigeria during 1912, rabies has continued to take its toll on human and animal lives. However, gross underreporting due to a frail health care infrastructure, deficient reporting systems, and misdiagnosis with neurological diseases further complicated by socio-cultural practices have resulted in a lack of empirical data to support rabies prioritization, per the global target of 2030. We used the standard PRISMA guidelines to select Nigerian rabies studies between 1978 and 2020. Rabies risk, coupled with welfare concerns identified in this study, demonstrates the need for continued advocacy towards legislation prohibiting the dog trade in Nigeria and elsewhere. The high-risk community groups identified in this review (i.e., children, butchers, and adult males) need to be educated on response to dog bite exposure to reduce the impact of this invariable fatal but preventable disease. Moreover, there is a need for mandatory dog vaccination and implementation of a national rabies program to attain the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended vaccination coverage of at least 70%. We unravel the need to establish rabies diagnostic centres in the country’s six geopolitical zones. Local inclusion of dog bite occurrence by Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers (DSNOs), with related community surveillance tools, can help in rabies/dog surveillance. In addition, there is a need for investment into pathogen discovery by enhancing laboratory-based surveillance for wildlife rabies, understanding its potential role in Nigeria and the need for quantitative research to understand the various risk factors for disease perpetuation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip P. Mshelbwala
- UQ Spatial Epidemiology Laboratory, School of Veterinary Science, University of Queensland, Gatton, Australia
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Abuja, Abuja, Nigeria
- * E-mail: ,
| | - J. Scott Weese
- Department of Pathobiology, Ontario Veterinary College, Guelph, Canada
| | | | - Shovon Chakma
- UQ Spatial Epidemiology Laboratory, School of Veterinary Science, University of Queensland, Gatton, Australia
| | - Stephen S. Okeme
- Agriculture & Rural Development Secretariat, Federal Capital Territory Administration Abuja Nigeria
| | - Abdullah A. Mamun
- Institute of Social Science Research, the University of Queensland, Long Pocket, Australia
| | | | - R. J. Soares Magalhaes
- UQ Spatial Epidemiology Laboratory, School of Veterinary Science, University of Queensland, Gatton, Australia
- Children’s Health and Research Centre, Children’s Health and Environment Program, the University of Queensland, South Brisbane, Australia
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Changalucha J, Hampson K, Jaswant G, Lankester F, Yoder J. Human rabies: prospects for elimination. CAB REVIEWS : PERSPECTIVES IN AGRICULTURE, VETERINARY SCIENCE, NUTRITION AND NATURAL RESOURCES 2021; 16:039. [PMID: 34765015 PMCID: PMC8580373 DOI: 10.1079/pavsnnr202116039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Almost half of all countries in the world are effectively free of human deaths from dog-mediated rabies. But the disease still affects people in low- and middle-income countries, especially the rural poor, and children. Successful regional elimination of human rabies is attributable to advances in significant and sustained investment in dog vaccination, post-exposure vaccination and surveillance, illustrated by productive efforts to reduce human rabies in Latin America over the last 35 years. Nonetheless, countries still facing endemic rabies face significant barriers to elimination. Using the 2017 Global Strategic Plan to end human rabies deaths from dog-mediated rabies by 2030 as a reference point and an organizing framework, we assess progress toward global rabies elimination by examining the characteristics of successful regional control efforts and barriers to elimination. Although substantive barriers exist for countries where rabies remains endemic, advances in knowledge, technology, institutions, and economics provide a basis for optimism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel Changalucha
- Environmental Health and Ecological Science Department, Ifakara Health Institute, P.O. Box 78373, Dar es salaam, 14112, Tanzania
- Boyd Orr Centre for Population and ecosystem Health, Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12, 8QQ, UK
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Science, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O. Box 3021, Morogoro, 23, Tanzania
| | - Katie Hampson
- Boyd Orr Centre for Population and ecosystem Health, Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12, 8QQ, UK
| | - Gurdeep Jaswant
- Boyd Orr Centre for Population and ecosystem Health, Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12, 8QQ, UK
- University of Nairobi Institute of Tropical and Infectious Diseases (UNITID), P.O. Box 30197, Nairobi, 00202, Kenya
- Tanzania Industrial Research Development Organisation (TIRDO), P.O. Box 23235, Dar es salaam, Tanzania
| | - Felix Lankester
- Global Animal Health Tanzania, Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority Building, P.O. Box 1642, Arusha, Tanzania
- Paul G. Allen School for Global Animal Health, Washington state University, P.O. Box 647090, Pullman, Washington, WA 99164 United States of America
| | - Jonathan Yoder
- Paul G. Allen School for Global Animal Health, Washington state University, P.O. Box 647090, Pullman, Washington, WA 99164 United States of America
- School of Economic Sciences, Washington State University, P.O. Box 646210, Pullman, Washington, WA 99164-6210, United States of America
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13
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Rupprecht CE. The Rabies Concert: Rising towards the Last Waltz? Trop Med Infect Dis 2021; 6:tropicalmed6030124. [PMID: 34287388 PMCID: PMC8293428 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed6030124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
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14
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Africa needs to prioritize One Health approaches that focus on the environment, animal health and human health. Nat Med 2021; 27:943-946. [PMID: 34017135 DOI: 10.1038/s41591-021-01375-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Athingo R, Tenzin T, Coetzer A, Hikufe EH, Peter J, Hango L, Haimbodi T, Lipinge J, Haufiku F, Naunyango M, Kephas M, Shilongo A, Shoombe KK, Khaiseb S, Letshwenyo M, Pozzetti P, Nake L, Nel LH, Freuling CM, Müller T, Torres G. Application of the GARC Data Logger-a custom-developed data collection device-to capture and monitor mass dog vaccination campaigns in Namibia. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0008948. [PMID: 33370285 PMCID: PMC7793283 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Domestic dogs are responsible for 99% of all cases of human rabies and thus, mass dog vaccination has been demonstrated to be the most effective approach towards the elimination of dog-mediated human rabies. Namibia demonstrated the feasibility of this approach by applying government-led strategic rabies vaccination campaigns to reduce both human and dog rabies incidences in the Northern Communal Areas of Namibia since 2016. The lessons learnt using paper-based form for data capturing and management of mass dog vaccination campaign during the pilot and roll out phase of the project (2016–2018) led to the implementation of a simple and accurate data collection tool in the second phase (2019–2022) of the rabies elimination program. In this paper, we describe the implementation of such custom-developed vaccination tracking device, i.e. the Global Alliance for Rabies Control (GARC) Data Logger (GDL), and the integration of the collected data into a website-based rabies surveillance system (Rabies Epidemiological Bulletin—REB) during 2019 and 2020 campaigns. A total of 10,037 dogs and 520 cats were vaccinated during the 2019 campaign and 13,219 dogs and 1,044 cats during the 2020 campaign. The vaccination data were recorded with the GDL and visualized via REB. Subsequent GIS-analysis using gridded population data revealed a suboptimal vaccination coverage in the great majority of grid cells (82%) with a vaccination coverage below 50%. Spatial regression analysis identified the number of schools, estimated human density, and adult dog population were associated with the vaccination performance. However, there was an inverse correlation to human densities. Nonetheless, the use of the GDL improved data capturing and monitoring capacity of the campaign, enabling the Namibian government to improve strategies for the vaccination of at-risk areas towards achieving adequate vaccination coverage which would effectively break the transmission of rabies. We used a custom-developed vaccination tracking device—the Global Alliance for Rabies Control (GARC) Data Logger—to capture dog rabies vaccination data during the 2019 and 2020 mass vaccination campaign in the Northern Communal Areas of Namibia, and then integrated the collected data into the web-based Rabies Epidemiological Bulletin, a rabies-specific disease surveillance platform for rabies-endemic countries. This approach allowed automatic collation, analysis and, visualization of data and drastically improved the data capturing and monitoring capacity of the Namibian government led campaign. Additionally, subsequent GIS analysis enabled a better estimation of vaccination coverage at a much higher spatial resolution, thus identifying areas where improvements in the vaccination strategy are needed to ensure long-term success of the project.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rauna Athingo
- Animal Disease Control, Sub-division, North-West, Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS), Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform, Ongwediva, Namibia
| | - Tenzin Tenzin
- World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), Sub-Regional Representation for Southern Africa, Gaborone, Botswana
- * E-mail: ,
| | - Andre Coetzer
- Global Alliance for Rabies Control (GARC), Pretoria, South Africa
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Emmanuel H. Hikufe
- Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS), Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform, Windhoek, Namibia
| | - Josephat Peter
- Outapi State Veterinary Office, Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS), Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform, Omusati region, Outapi, Namibia
| | - Laina Hango
- Outapi State Veterinary Office, Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS), Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform, Omusati region, Outapi, Namibia
| | - Tangeni Haimbodi
- Ondangwa State Veterinary Office, Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS), Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform, Oshana region, Ondangwa, Namibia
| | - Johannes Lipinge
- Ondangwa State Veterinary Office, Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS), Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform, Oshana region, Ondangwa, Namibia
| | - Frenada Haufiku
- Omuthiya State Veterinary Office, Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS), Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform, Oshikoto region, Omuthiya, Namibia
| | - Matias Naunyango
- Eenhana State Veterinary Office, Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS), Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform, Ohangwena region, Eenhana, Namibia
| | - Magano Kephas
- Eenhana State Veterinary Office, Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS), Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform, Ohangwena region, Eenhana, Namibia
| | - Albertina Shilongo
- Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS), Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform, Windhoek, Namibia
| | - Kenneth K. Shoombe
- Animal Disease Control, Sub-division, North-West, Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS), Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform, Ongwediva, Namibia
| | - Siegfried Khaiseb
- Central Veterinary Laboratory, Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS), Ministry of Agriculture Water and Land Reform, Windhoek, Namibia
| | - Moetapele Letshwenyo
- World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), Sub-Regional Representation for Southern Africa, Gaborone, Botswana
| | | | - Lorenz Nake
- World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), Paris, France
| | - Louis H. Nel
- Global Alliance for Rabies Control (GARC), Pretoria, South Africa
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Conrad M. Freuling
- Institute of Molecular Virology and Cell Biology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute, Greifswald—Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Thomas Müller
- Institute of Molecular Virology and Cell Biology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute, Greifswald—Insel Riems, Germany
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Rohde RE, Rupprecht CE. Update on lyssaviruses and rabies: will past progress play as prologue in the near term towards future elimination? Fac Rev 2020; 9:9. [PMID: 33659941 PMCID: PMC7886060 DOI: 10.12703/b/9-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Rabies is an ancient, much-feared, and neglected infectious disease. Caused by pathogens in the family Rhabdoviridae, genus Lyssavirus, and distributed globally, this viral zoonosis results in tens of thousands of human fatalities and millions of exposures annually. All mammals are believed susceptible, but only certain taxa act as reservoirs. Dependence upon direct routing to, replication within, and passage from the central nervous system serves as a basic viral strategy for perpetuation. By a combination of stealth and subversion, lyssaviruses are quintessential neurotropic agents and cause an acute, progressive encephalitis. No treatment exists, so prevention is the key. Although not a disease considered for eradication, something of a modern rebirth has been occurring within the field as of late with regard to detection, prevention, and management as well as applied research. For example, within the past decade, new lyssaviruses have been characterized; sensitive and specific diagnostics have been optimized; pure, potent, safe, and efficacious human biologics have improved human prophylaxis; regional efforts have controlled canine rabies by mass immunization; wildlife rabies has been controlled by oral rabies vaccination over large geographic areas in Europe and North America; and debate has resumed over the controversial topic of therapy. Based upon such progress to date, there are certain expectations for the next 10 years. These include pathogen discovery, to uncover additional lyssaviruses in the Old World; laboratory-based surveillance enhancement by simplified, rapid testing; anti-viral drug appearance, based upon an improved appreciation of viral pathobiology and host response; and improvements to canine rabies elimination regionally throughout Africa, Asia, and the Americas by application of the best technical, organizational, economic, and socio-political practices. Significantly, anticipated Gavi support will enable improved access of human rabies vaccines in lesser developed countries at a national level, with integrated bite management, dose-sparing regimens, and a 1 week vaccination schedule.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodney E Rohde
- Clinical Laboratory Science, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX, 78666, USA
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