Viruses Genomes - AUSTRALIAN BAT LYSSAVIRUS

The term 'lyssavirus' comprises a group of viruses which fall into seven related gene groups, one of which is common rabies. Several of the lyssaviruses give rise to clinical disease in bats and many have been shown to affect humans and or domestic animals in other countries, one example being European bat lyssavirus. Scientists have found that the cases in Australia belong to a new lyssavirus gene group - gene group seven.

Australian Bat Lyssavirus is a communicable disease and notifiable in Australia. Since its discovery, Australian bat lyssavirus has killed two people in Australia. In 1996 a bat handler and in 1998 a woman bitten by a sick bat, died from this lyssavirus type. In both there was evidence of viral encephalitis

ABL has been found in several species of flying foxes and bats in Australia. Since its first identification it has been found in four species of megachiroptera (fruit bats/flying foxes) and at least three species of microchiroptera (insectivorous bat). It is safest to assume that all Australian bats, both the larger flying foxes and the small insect eating microbats have the potential to transmit this virus.

Transmission of infection by the virus from bats to humans is thought to be by a penetrating scratch or bite, which provides direct access of the virus in saliva to exposed tissue, or by a mucous membrane exposure to bat saliva or brain tissue. ABL is unlikely to survive outside the host for more than a few hours, especially in dry environments that are exposed to sunlight

Research continues however to date there is no known cure for ABL.

References:

http://www.csiro.au/index.asp?type=faq&id=BatLyssavirus&stylesheet=sectorInformationSheethttp://www.health.qld.gov.au/healthyislandresorts/topic/abl.htmhttp://64.233.183.104/search?q=cache:aOKbhp2pQMgJ:www.health.qld.gov.au/phs/Documents/cdu/12587.pdf+Australian+bat+lyssavirus&hl=en http://www.health.gov.au/internet/wcms/publishing.nsf/Content/cda-pubs-other-bat_lyssa.htm