title: Major antigenic groups of rabies virus in Canada determined by anti-nucleocapsid monoclonal antibodies.
abstract: A total of 123 rabies virus isolates from various geographical areas in Canada were characterized by a panel of 43 anti-nucleocapsid monoclonal antibodies. Four major antigenic groups are found in terrestrial mammals: "Canadian Arctic" from Ontario, Quebec and the Northwest Territories; "south-eastern Georgian Bay" from Ontario; "south mid-central skunk" from Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba; and "Brook's, Alberta skunk" from a restricted area in Alberta. Bat isolates can be divided into 4 major antigenic groups: "B-1" in Eptesicus fuscus from Ontario; "B-2" in a variety of bat species from British Columbia eastward into Ontario; "B-3" in Myotis spp. from Ontario and New Brunswick; and "B-4" in E. fuscus from Alberta and Saskatchewan. A single case of bat to horse transmission of rabies virus is recorded. These street isolates are compared with isolates of fixed virus. Epidemiological aspects are discussed.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000829:Animals, Domestic; D000835:Animals, Wild; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D000956:Antigens, Viral / Q000032:analysis*; D002170:Canada; D002213:Capsid / Q000032:analysis*; D002415:Cats; D003710:Demography; D004285:Dogs; D005589:Foxes; D006736:Horses; D012889:Mephitidae; D011818:Rabies / Q000662:veterinary; D011820:Rabies virus / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D051381:Rats; D014758:Viral Core Proteins / Q000032:analysis*
chemical_list: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D000956:Antigens, Viral; D014758:Viral Core Proteins