Determination of bat lyssavirus in Slovenia

Abstract

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 .