Genetic diversity of Lyssavirus

Rabies is a zoonosis of which the archaeological agents belong to the Lyssa virus species. Seven genotypes are known to exist. The isolates are grouped according to a) their geographical origin, b) historical context, c) type of vector. In parts of the world where several epidemic cycles exist, pract ical tools have been developed in order to distinguish between them more ea sily. Vaccine strains all of which have been elaborated from genotype 1 - o ffer little or no protection against the other genotypes. It is thus necess ary to work on expending vaccine coverage.