Endemic Circulation of European Bat Lyssavirus Type 1 in Serotine Bats, Spain

Abstract

To determine the presence of European bat lyssavirus type 1 in southern Spain, we studied 19 colonies of serotine bats (Eptesicus isabellinus), its main reservoir, during 1998–2003. Viral genome and antibodies were detected in healthy bats, which suggests subclinical infection. The different temporal patterns of circulation found in each colony indicate independent endemic circulation.

Keywords

• lyssavirus
• bats
• surveillance
• rabies
• dispatch
• Spain