Effects of Aerosolized Rabies Virus Exposure on Bats and Mice

Between 1956 and 1977, 4 human cases of rabies virus infection were attributed to aerosolized rabies virus; however, little work has been done to address this topic since the late 1960s. Employing modern nebulization equipment coupled with serologic, cell culture, and molecular technology, we have continued the investigation into aerosolized rabies virus as a potential route of transmission. Laboratory mice and 2 species of bats were exposed, through aerosol, to 3 variants of rabies virus. All bats survived exposure to aerosolized rabies virus and produced rabies neutralizing antibody. Several mice died of rabies as a result of aerosol exposure. Antibody response was followed for 6 months before animals were given an intramuscular challenge of rabies virus. Poor protection from challenge was afforded in bats, despite the presence of neutralizing antibodies. Rabies is a neurotropic disease that has the ability to affect all mammals. Humans are not the primary host of this viral disease, yet it is estimated that, worldwide, rabies virus kills in excess of 55,000 humans annually [1]. Dogs remain the most epidemiologically significant host of rabies virus, as they have been for the past 4000 years of recorded history [2]. In the United States, i