Duvenhage virus

The ProMed post "Human Rabies-like Disease Due To Duvenhage Virus Infection" refers to a case we recently dealt with in our lab.  Fascinating - this is the 2nd isolate from a human ever, and the 4th isolate ever in any species.  Twice recorded in bats, there seems to be a spot of Duvenhage in the North West province.

Duvenhage is one of the seven classified Lyssaviruses, of which Rabies is the most well known.  In Africa, we have rabies, Duvenhage, Mokola, and Lagos Bat virus.  Mokola has never been found in bats, and outside of the Americas, nor has rabies.  Of these four, Lagos Bat virus has not yet been found in humans.  Other Lyssaviruses from elsewhere include the European Bat viruses 1 and 2, and Australian Bat Lyssaviruses.  Tentative species are Kotonkan virus, Obodhiang virus, and Rochambeau virus.  Those not yet classified into the Lyssavirus genus by the ICTV include Aravan and Irkut Bat virus.

One correction for the post - Dr Blumberg doesn't work in our lab; Dr Nutt does.