Multiple substitutions in biologically active domains of rabies virus glycoprotein can be related to pathogenic profile

Abstract

Pathogenic profile of a rabies virus isolated from an insectivorous bat Lasiurus ega was compared with a rabies fixed virus strain (CVS/32) in hamster and mouse. Incubation and clinical periods, clinical manifestation and death rates were compared. Challenge of hamsters with L. ega was performed using: 10 2,611-4,021 LD50 /0,05 mL;. For CVS were used 10 3,7- 4,7 LD50 /0,05 mL. Were tested intramuscular (IM), intradermal (ID), intranasal (IN), epidermal abrasion (EA) inoculation routes. Viral antigen in brains was confirmed by Direct Immunofluorescence Test. Mortality percentages observed with L. ega rabies virus isolate were the following in hamster: 3,5 % IM, 10,710% IN; in mice: 50.0% IM, 30.0% IN. Furious rabies was predominant. Mortality percentages observed with CVS/32 in hamster: 12.5% IM, 62.5% ID, 12.5% IN; in mice 100.0% IM, 70.0% ID, 10.0% IN. Paralytic rabies was found with this strain in both animal models. Epidermic abrasion was not a suitable challenge route. Incubation period was 5-7 days for CVS and 11-16 days for L. ega isolate, meanwhile clinical periods were comprehended between 47 days for both viruses. Several substitutions were detected at antigenic domains of glycoprotein: AI (position 231), AII (3442 and 198-200), domain of fusion dependent on low pH (102179), transmembrane domain (440461) and residue 242. These viruses showed contrasting biological behaviors that can be linked to those substitutions at antigenic domains previously described.