Laboratory detection of rabies virus and the avian influenza virus in bats

  Objective   To detect the Rabies virus(RV)and the avian influenza virus(AIV)from bats in Guangzhou and the surrounding areas, and study the probably relation between the bats and the human diseases.

  Methods   3391 samples(713 Respiratory swab, 452 serum, 742 brain tissues, 742 lung tissues and 742 colorectal)had been obtained from 794 bats in the Guangzhou wild animal markets, Guangzhou and the surrounding areas from September 2004 to November 2005.These bats (Cynopterus sphinx330, Hipposideros pratti 7, Rousettus leschenault 154, Miniopterus schreibersi 5, Scotophilus kuhlii 52, Rhinolophus affinis 209 and Rhinolophus pusillus 37)were belong to seven species of two suborder Chiroptera.The RV and AIV were detected in all these samples by using RT-PCR and cell isolation culture methods.

  Results   No RV or AIV was detected in these samples.

  Conclusion   The RV and AIV may be not existed in these seven investigated species bats in Guangzhou and the surrounding areas.