What Is the Australian Bat Lyssavirus?
Australian bat Lyssavirus, also known as the Pteropid Lyssavirus, is a virus frequently associated with the rabies virus. This virus is named so because it was first discovered and identified in the northern parts of New South Wales (Australia). Australian bat Lyssavirus can spread from bats to humans and cause serious infections. It is a fact that Australian bats carry the Lyssavirus. A bite or scratch from an infected bat might expose a person to the Australian bat Lyssavirus. Australian bat Lyssavirus is extremely uncommon; since it was initially discovered in 1996, just three incidences of human mortality from it have been documented. Australian bat Lyssavirus, however, is fatal if untreated. It is considered that all bats in Australia, including flying foxes and fruit bats, are capable of harboring the Australian bat Lyssavirus.
Who Is Affected by Australian Bat Lyssavirus?
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Australian bat Lyssavirus infection is prevalent in Australia. It is the first endemic Lyssavirus to be discovered in Australia.
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Infected bats with the Australian bat Lyssavirus are more likely to be ill, wounded, or orphaned.
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Australian bat Lyssavirus has only been isolated in Australia. Serosurveillance of bat populations in the Philippines, though, has led some experts to speculate that Lyssavirus infection of bats may be more common than previously believed.
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All three cases of Australian bat Lyssavirus infections that have led to fatality were reported in Queensland.
What Are the Symptoms of Australian Bat Lyssavirus?
The symptoms of Australian bat Lyssavirus:
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Initial symptoms of Australian bat Lyssavirus infection are similar to that of flu; fever, headache, and fatigue.
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After coming in touch with the virus, symptoms might appear as soon as a few days or several years later.
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The infection can soon progress to more severe symptoms.
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Paralysis (complete or partial loss of motion and functionality).
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Delirium (a mental condition characterized by confusion and reduced awareness).
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Convulsions (uncontrolled muscle contraction and movement).
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Of the three recorded human cases of Australian bat Lyssavirus infection in Australia, one developed the symptoms of the infection about four and a half weeks after being bitten by a bat, another about eight weeks after receiving a bat scratch, and the third developed symptoms more than two years after getting bitten by the bat.
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Death may occur soon after the progression of the disease.
How Is Australian Bat Lyssavirus Transmitted?
Australian bat Lyssavirus can be transmitted in the following ways:
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The virus can spread from bats to people when infected bat saliva enters the body through bites or scratches. Still, it can also do so by getting bat saliva on the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, or mouth or onto a skin breach that already exists.
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The infected bats' neurological systems contain the virus as well. Therefore, needlesticks or cuts from a sharp object that have been used on a bat and have come into touch with bat brain tissue are also potential transmission pathways for the Australian bat Lyssavirus.
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Particularly in arid conditions or after exposure to sunshine, the Australian bat Lyssavirus cannot persist for a very long time outside of a bat or in a dead bat.
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Living, playing, or strolling close to bat roosting places does not increase the risk of contracting the virus. In addition, contact with bat feces, urine, or blood also does not increase the risk of contracting the infection.
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There is no proof that consuming fruit that has been partially consumed by a bat can cause Australian bat Lyssavirus. However, any fruit that has been partially consumed by an animal should be thrown away since it could be infected with numerous germs.
How Is Australian Bat Lyssavirus Diagnosed?
Australian bat Lyssavirus infection can be diagnosed in the following ways:
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Polymerase Chain Reaction: Polymerase chain reaction molecular detection of the Australian bat Lyssavirus in saliva, cerebrospinal fluid, or neural tissue provides a conclusive diagnosis.
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Culture: Viral culture of the brain is also a helpful diagnostic procedure, but it is a time-consuming method of diagnosis.
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Histological Examination: Lyssavirus infection can be diagnosed through histopathological analysis and immunoperoxidase staining of brain tissue, although these methods cannot distinguish between genotypes.
How Is Australian Bat Lyssavirus Treated?
Once symptoms appear, there is no known cure for Australian bat Lyssavirus disease. But the best defense against Australian bat Lyssavirus infection is prevention. Post-exposure care is efficient at stopping the disease before a person becomes ill if a bat bites or scratches them. However, a potential Australian bat Lyssavirus infection should be managed in the following ways:
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Wound care, rabies vaccination, and, if necessary, human rabies immunoglobulin are all included in post-exposure management. Everybody who has had potential exposure should practice post-exposure treatment. The human rabies immunoglobulin vaccine and rabies vaccines are safe to use during pregnancy and lactation.
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If a person gets bitten or scratched, they should wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water right away for at least 15 minutes to lower the chance of developing an infection. If available, following cleaning, an antiseptic with antiviral properties like Povidone-iodine or alcohol should be administered. If bat saliva comes in contact with the eyes, nose, or mouth, thoroughly rinse the area with water for a few minutes.
Can Australian Bat Lyssavirus Be Prevented?
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The best defense against contracting Australian bat Lyssavirus is to refrain from handling any bats in Australia or anywhere else.
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Bats should never be handled, even if they are hurt.
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Make sure kids are aware they should not touch bats.
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Bats should only ever be handled by those with the necessary vaccinations and training.
What Is the Australian Bat Lyssavirus Vaccine?
Australian bat Lyssavirus vaccination is the best method of prevention and protection against Australian bat Lyssavirus. Given below is some important information about Australian bat Lyssavirus infection:
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Time of Vaccination: Vaccination should be taken prior to potential exposure to bats. The vaccine should be taken before handling any animals exposed to Australian bat Lyssavirus or traveling to places where rabies is prevalent. Six to 12 weeks before returning from Australia, one should see a doctor or go to a travel health center.
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Doses: Three doses over a period of one month are advised. The vaccine should be given on day 0, day 7, and on day 28.
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Administration: The vaccine is usually injectable and administered intramuscularly.
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Side Effects: Australian bat Lyssavirus vaccine is very secure. A sore arm, swelling at the injection site, a headache, or nausea are possible side effects.
Conclusion
Australian bat Lyssavirus is a rare yet severe infection caused by bats found in Australia. Unfortunately, the condition has a poor prognosis once the symptoms start showing up. The advanced infection manifests symptoms like convulsion, delirium, paralysis, etc. The patient usually succumbs to the disease once these symptoms appear. Australian bat Lyssavirus infection can be prevented by taking the Australian bat Lyssavirus vaccine.
