Rabies prevention: the role of serology in parenteral vaccination of companion animals and livestock

Abstract

Rabies virus (RABV)-specific antibodies generated in response to rabies vaccination provide the basis for the establishment of rabies protection and hence rabies control and prevention. Rabies serology is the primary and most appropriate way to determine vaccination efficacy. Various immunological methods, such as serum neutralisation, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, the indirect fluorescent antibody test and immunochromatographic (or lateral flow) assay can detect and measure these antibodies. These methods range from complex to simple and from highly precise to approximate. Rabies serology interpretation, cut-off levels and method limitations are important considerations that oftentimes are overlooked when evaluating the results of tests that measure the immune response to rabies vaccination or RABV antigen exposure. In addition, a meaningful result may depend on the timing of obtaining the samples. Practical issues such as the costs of testing and accessibility of test reagents or facilities play an increasingly important role in the success of rabies elimination efforts in developing areas. The discovery of new lyssaviruses in recent years means that the rabies vaccines currently in use should be evaluated to determine whether or not they confer protection against these viruses. Methods that can be adapted for the measurement of RABV-specific antibodies are needed. Whether used for diagnosis, serosurveillance, or determination of individual or group vaccine response, rabies serology has a great impact on rabies control and prevention efforts. It is critical, therefore, that not only does the method employed generate results that are applicable, but that these results are interpreted correctly. To ensure that this is the case, it is crucial to know exactly what the test was designed to measure and to understand its limitations.

Mapping the Spatiotemporal Distribution of Bovine Rabies in Colombia, 2005–2019

“…It is necessary to review the current national program for the prevention and control of rabies in livestock, incorporating concepts from the ecology of bats, as well as for the prediction of contagion waves of geographical and temporal spread, in the context of a OneHealth approach [38][39][40][41]. Additionally, vaccination is vital for control programs to prevent rabies in livestock and should be increased [42,43]. It is essential to generate greater attention and epidemiological surveillance in the departments that continue to provide a continuous incidence in the number of cases and that, even with time, continue to be in the first territories most affected by bovine rabies, which represents economic losses for the local ranchers and the country [44,45].…”

Oral vaccination of foxes and raccoon dogs against rabies with the 3rd generation oral rabies virus vaccine, SPBN GASGAS, in Finland

“…The seroconversion rate is affected by additional factors. For example, it is influenced by the assay used and the cut-off set for sero-positivity [28,29]. In Finland during the campaigns in 1988 and 1989 a virus neutralization assay was used for detection of virus neutralizing antibodies.…”

Challenges of Rabies Serology: Defining Context of Interpretation

“…Differences in rabies serology methods, performance characteristics, purpose of testing, etc. have been covered in previous publications, notably the difference measuring antibody function versus antibody binding [ 21 , 35 , 36 , 37 , 38 , 39 , 40 ]. SN methods have the advantage of providing an in vitro measurement of what occurs in vivo [ 41 , 42 , 43 ].…”