Prevalence and public health significance of rabies virus in bats in the North Region of Cameroon.

Autor: Dah, Isaac, Poueme Namegni, Rodrigue Simonet, Mouiche Mouliom, Mohamed Moctar, Dickmu Jumbo, Simon, Nguena Guefack Noumedem, Ranyl, Conclois, Isabelle, Florian, Liegeois, God-Yang, Laurent, Feussom Kameni, Jean Marc, Wade, Abel, Missé, Dorothée, Awah-Ndukum, Julius
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Zdroj: PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases; 10/23/2023, Vol. 17 Issue 10, p1-15, 15p
Abstrakt: Background: Rabies is a zoonotic disease of all warm-blooded animals including humans. There is a paucity of data on the status of rabies in wild animals in Cameroon and the disease is endemic in the country with dogs being the main source of transmission. Bat habitats are widespread in Cameroon, but there is limited information on the prevalence of rabies in bats, and their role of as potential reservoirs of rabies virus. Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out to estimate the prevalence and to assess risk factors of rabies virus in bats in the North Region of Cameroon. A total of 212 bats belonging to three families (Pteropodidae, Vespertilionidae and Molossidae) and 5 species were sampled in 7 localities in the North Region of Cameroon and were tested for rabies virus antigen using direct Immunofluorescence Test (IFA). Results: Overall, 26.9% (57/212) of the bats collected showed an IFA positive reaction. The prevalence was significantly higher (P<0.05) in adult bats (33.3% (36/108)) compared to young individuals (20.2%; 21/104). The main risk factors identified in the study for human exposure to bats were gender (Male), religion (Christianity), localities (Babla and Lagdo), the practice of bat hunting, bat consumption, unawareness of bat rabies and cohabitation with bats in close proximity. Conclusion: The study revealed the first evidence of Lyssavirus in bats in Cameroon. This finding showed that bat rabies are real and represents a potential public health concern in communities with bat habitats in the North Region of Cameroon. Enhancing the level of public awareness and health education on the potential of bats as reservoirs of Lyssavirus in Cameroon as well as the integration of the "One Health" approach for effective management of animal and human rabies should be emphasized. Author summary: Rabies is a zoonotic disease caused by a virus of the genus Lyssavirus. It affects all warm-blooded animals including humans. Canine and human rabies are well documented as endemic in Cameroon, but little is known about this disease in wildlife, in particular among bats, despite their multiple interactions with the inhabitants of North Region of Cameroon. Indeed, bats are hunted, sold and consumed as bush meat by the local populations. We investigated the presence of Lyssavirus in bats and assessed the risk factors of human exposure to bats in the North Region of Cameroon. The study highlights that the rabies virus is present in bats in this area. The population was aware of human and canine rabies, however, the presence of the disease in bats was less known. Based on these findings, investigating bat populations on a large scale, to characterise the rabies virus circulating in the region, as well as educate the local population on the risks factors of rabies transmission from bats to humans and other animals are strongly recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Databáze: Complementary Index
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