Molecular characterization of rabies virus in trade dogs from Plateau state, Nigeria

Rabies is one of the most dreaded diseases known to mankind and it endemic in Nigeria. This study was aimed at detection molecular characterisation rabies virus antigen trade dogs Plateau State. A cross-sectional performed determine prevalence brain tissues slaughtered dogs, from February June 2018 using a direct fluorescent antibody test mouse inoculation technique. Direct Fluorescent Antibody Test, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), sequencing phylogenetic analysis identified were also undertaken. Phylogenetic done evolutionary genetic (MEGA) 10 their relationship with other sequences deposited Genbank. Results indicated, out 450 dog samples tested 14(3.1%) positive for antigen. Zoographic data obtained showed 66.3% female, kept mainly security (n=54) breeding (n=28). Fourteen used inoculate 70 adult mice, only 8 2 by RT PCR. nucleotide that two this study, sequence MZ148311 had very close identity EU038106 (99.8% homology) MZ148312 perfect EU038087 (100% closely related lyssavirus has been reported be circulating previously Nigeria, belonging Africa lineage.