Ivanov N. Epizootological and molecular-biological characterization of street rabies virus isolates in Ukraine

The results of molecular genetic and biological characteristics study of street rabies virus isolates in Ukraine are presented at the dissertation. The collection of street rabies virus isolates was created. The technique of their preparation for research and storage conditions were optimized. RT-PCR method for identification of rabies virus isolates was optimized. Using the method of RT-PCR with variant-specific primers confirmed the presence of rabies virus genetic variants that are differentiated by homology to the rabies virus reference strain CVS into two clusters CVS-like (cluster I) and different from CVS (cluster II). More effective protection of rabies vaccines (to 29-30%) against street rabies virus isolates belonging to a CVS-like variant, compared with isolates belonging to different genetic variant of CVS was found. The territorial ranking of rabies virus genetic variants and its projection on the epizootic situation showed that the CVS-different genetic variant circulating at Left Bank of Ukraine in areas with high and medium intensity of the epizootic situation, and the CVS-like variant - at the Right Bank of Ukraine, mainly in the areas with low intensity of the epizootic situation.