Genetic typing of feline rabies virus isolated in greater Bangkok, Thailand.

Abstract

To study the molecular epidemiology of rabies virus that is prevalent among cats in greater Bangkok, Thailand, a total of 17 rabies virus isolates from cats were characterized and compared with 120 rabies virus isolates from dogs. Analyses were performed on the genetic polymorphism in the rabies virus nucleoprotein (N) gene. Rabies virus N gene of isolates was amplified by reverse transcriptionpolymerase chain reaction. The diversity of N gene was revealed by the restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) method. The rabies virus isolates from cats could be classified into 5 types, designated as Dd I-Hf I, Dd II-Hf II, Dd III-Hf I, Dd IV-Hf I, and Dd IV-Hf III. Type Dd I-Hf I was encountered more frequently than the others. It was apparent that no less than five rabies virus types presented in the areas of Bangkok. Moreover, all five RFLP patterns were typical of those which had been observed in dogs. Our findings suggest that there had been viral transmission between the dogs and the cats.