Molecular characterisation of rabies virus detected in livestock animals in the southern part of Egypt during 2018 and 2019

Abstract Brain samples were collected from 33 animals of different species, including buffalo, cattle, dog, donkey, fox and wolf, that had been suspected to be infected by rabies virus (RABV) in geographical regions Aswan Luxor governorates Egypt. The submitted for histopathological examination the presence nucleic acid antigens RABV was tested RT-PCR indirect fluorescent antibody technique (IFAT), respectively. Sixteen found positive all three examinations. Three selected further study which highest loads detected. partial sequence N gene determined analysed a cow donkey. viruses share 95–98% 95–97% nucleotide amino identities, In comparison reference sequences, few substitutions occurred protein antigenic sites I IV immunodominant epitopes detected donkey but not one buffalo. phylogenetic analysis revealed RABVs sequenced belonged genotype 1, Africa-4 clade, formed two distinct sub-clades within Egyptian clade. These findings indicate circulation among livestock southern part Egypt raise public health concerns. changes this work may contribute diversification RABVs.