Duvenhage lyssavirus

Duvenhage lyssavirus is a virus that belongs to the Lyssavirus genus, within the family Rhabdoviridae. It is one of the 16 recognized species of lyssaviruses, which also includes the Rabies virus. Duvenhage lyssavirus is named after the location in South Africa where it was first isolated in 1970.

History

The Duvenhage lyssavirus was first isolated in 1970 from a human case in Duvenhage, South Africa. The patient had been bitten by a bat and subsequently developed symptoms similar to those of rabies. Since then, two more human cases have been reported, one in Kenya in 2007 and another in the Netherlands in 2007, both following bat bites.

Transmission

Duvenhage lyssavirus is primarily associated with insectivorous bats, particularly those of the Miniopterus and Nycteris genera. The virus is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected bat. There is no evidence of human-to-human transmission.

Clinical Features

The incubation period for Duvenhage lyssavirus is typically between 20 and 60 days, but can be as long as several years. The initial symptoms are non-specific and may include fever, headache, and general malaise. As the disease progresses, neurological symptoms such as agitation, hallucinations, and paralysis may develop. The disease is invariably fatal once symptoms appear.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Duvenhage lyssavirus infection is based on clinical symptoms, history of bat exposure, and laboratory testing. Laboratory tests include detection of viral RNA in the patient's saliva, serum, cerebrospinal fluid, or skin biopsies from the nape of the neck.

Prevention and Control

Prevention of Duvenhage lyssavirus infection involves avoiding contact with bats. If a bat bite occurs, immediate washing of the wound with soap and water is recommended, followed by administration of rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). There is currently no specific treatment for Duvenhage lyssavirus infection.

See Also

• Rabies
• Lyssavirus
• Rhabdoviridae