Rabies Virus Detection in the Common Vampire Bat Desmodus rotundus, Ceará, Brasil

The common vampire bat, Desmodus rotundus, subsists on the blood of other animals, thus playing a significant role in the life cycle of rabies., This disease wreaks havoc on livestock and can impact other domestic animals, including humans. Given its role in the transmission of rabies, D. rotundus has become a focal point of studies necessitating elucidation regarding the circulation of the rabies virus. The purpose of this study was to examine the distribution of the rabies virus and comprehend its immunological dynamics in D. rotundus. One hundred and thirty four specimens were sampled in the municipalities of Potiretama, Tauá and Granja, where cases of rabies in herbivores were confirmed. The specimens underwent Direct Immunofluorescence and Mouse Inoculation Tests. For those samples diagnosed positive, RT-PCR was recommended. Out of the total number of bats diagnosed, only one tested positive. Although there was no significant circulation of the rabies virus observed in D. rotundus, it seems this species can restrict immune responses, thereby preventing rabies immunopathology. Thus, this research serves as a valuable tool for understanding the immunological dynamics, preservation, and circulation of the rabies virus in D. rotundus.