Rabies viruses circulating in Ceará, Brazil, were identified by molecular analysis to be related to variants maintained by dogs, bats, and other wildlife. Most of these viruses are associated with human rabies cases. We document the emergence of a rabies virus variant responsible for an independent epidemic cycle in the crab-eating fox (Cerdocyon thous).

Introduction:In the State of Ceará, a new variant of the rabies virus was identified associated with cases of human rabies transmitted by common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus), which are frequently kept as pets. This new variant does not present antigenic proximity or genetic relationship to variants of the virus isolated from bats and terrestrial mammals from the American continent. The present study aimed to evaluate the risk factors of rabies virus transmission from common marmosets (C. jacchus) maintained as pets in the metropolitan region of Fortaleza, State of Ceará, Brazil, to human beings. Methods: A questionnaire focusing on animal management and interaction between humans and primates was applied to individuals who had marmosets in the municipalities of Aquiraz and Maranguape. In order to evaluate the presence of rabies antigens by direct immunofluorescence test (DIF), samples of saliva were collected from domiciliary captive marmosets. Based on the detection of rabies antigens, biopsy samples of central nervous system (CNS) were analyzed. Results: Analysis of questionnaire data verified that a close relation exists between humans and their pet marmosets, especially during management practices. Additionally, these people showed minimal knowledge regarding rabies, which represents a greater risk of infection. Of the 29 saliva samples evaluated, one (3.4%) was positive for DIF reaction and of the 11 CNS samples, three (27.3%) were positive. Conclusions: Laboratory data are in agreement with the questionnaire findings, which confirm an increased risk of rabies virus transmission due to the close relation between humans and marmosets.

Resumo Introdução: A Raiva é uma antropozoonose que acomete apenas mamíferos. Todo atendimento por acidente por animal potencialmente transmissor da Raiva deve ser notificado. A correta indicação de uso dos insumos para o tratamento profilático deve obedecer às normas do Ministério da Saúde, para que não sejam prescritos tratamentos incorretos ou desnecessários. Objetivo: Avaliar o desperdício de imunobiológicos e os riscos aos quais pacientes foram expostos devido a prescrições inadequadas da profilaxia antirrábica humana no município de Fortaleza, Ceará, de 2009 a 2019. Método: Estudo descritivo com dados secundários consolidados das Fichas de Investigação de Atendimento Antirrábico Humano do Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (SINAN). Resultados: Foram incluídas 53.251 notificações de atendimento antirrábico humano nesse trabalho. Deste total, 43,8% prescrições foram incorretas, sendo que 55,7% ofereceram risco à vida do paciente e 42,9% envolveram excesso de vacinas. Além disso, 43,3% continham lacunas em seu preenchimento. Conclusão: Foi possível constatar o alto percentual de fichas de atendimento antirrábico humano com prescrições inadequadas e preenchimento incompleto, evidenciando a necessidade de capacitação dos profissionais de saúde. Sugere-se a inclusão de Médicos Veterinários nos serviços de Atenção Primária e Vigilância Epidemiológica para reduzir erros e otimizar a utilização dos recursos públicos. Palavras-chaves: Doenças e Agravos de Notificação Compulsória; Raiva; Vacina; Vigilância Epidemiológica.