Molecular characterisation of human rabies in Tanzania and Kenya: a case series report and phylogenetic investigation
The viral genomic and epidemiological data confirms dog-mediated rabies as the cause of each of these deaths. The phylogenetic investigation highlights the transboundary circulation of rabies within domestic dog populations, revealing distinct rabies virus clades with evidence of regional spread. These findings underscore the importance of coordinated cross-border control efforts between the two countries. Urgent action is needed to improve awareness around the need for emergency post-exposure vaccines that should be accessible in local communities and administered appropriately, as well as investment in coordinated dog vaccination to control dog-mediated rabies, the underlying cause of these deaths.
Authors
- Gati Wambura (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3137-2355)
- Marybeth Maritim (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0996-1222)
- Anna Czupryna (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8004-1678)
- Charles Kayuki
- Julius Oyugi (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3702-7613)
- Samuel M. Thumbi (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5754-0556)
- Kirstyn Brunker (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9990-6299)
- Davis Kuchaka (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0991-703X)
- Carmen W.E. Embregts (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4710-9225)
- Marieke C. J. Dekker
- Athman Mwatondo
- Corine H. GeurtsvanKessel (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7678-314X)
- Marco van Zwetselaar (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5953-0060)
- Joel Changalucha (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0758-2480)
- Brian Ogoti (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4992-6838)
- Rowan Durrant (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9742-2052)
- Gurdeep Jaswant (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5027-454X)
- Lwitiko Sikana (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4212-2455)
- Veronicah Chuchu (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4584-9708)
- Kennedy Lushasi (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2060-4202)
- Kathryn S. Campbell (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5123-0469)
- Mumbua Mutunga (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9056-2159)
- Mathew Muturi (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2110-8099)
- Katie Hampson (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5392-6884)
- James Oigo
- Tom Abala
Institutions
- Ifakara Health Institute (TZ)
- University of Nairobi (KE)
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KE)
- Tanzania Industrial Research and Development Organization (TZ)
- Ministry of Agriculture Livestock and Fisheries (KE)
- International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (KE)
- Ministry of Health (KE)
- Centre for Immunity, Infection and Evolution (GB)
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (TZ)
- Pamoja Tunaweza Women's Centre (TZ)
- Oxford Nanopore Technologies (United Kingdom) (GB)
- Washington State University (US)
- University of Glasgow (GB)
- Sokoine University of Agriculture (TZ)
- Erasmus University Rotterdam (NL)
- University of Edinburgh (GB)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Infectious Diseases of Poverty
- Published
- 2024-10-28
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1186/s40249-024-01245-w
- Citations
- 2
- Primary Topic
- Rabies epidemiology and control
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.59
Funders
- National Institute for Health and Care Research
- University of Warwick
- University of Glasgow
- Medical Research Council