Incidence and seroprevalence of rabies virus in humans, dogs and other animal species in Africa, a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Rabies is transmitted to humans mainly by dogs but also by other animal species. Reliable data on the incidence of Rabies virus (RABV) in humans, dogs, and other animal species in Africa, could be essential in the implementation of a global strategic plan to eliminate the RABV by 2030 as adopted by the WHO, OIE, and FAO. We searched the Pubmed, Embase, Scopus, African Journal Online, and African Index Medicus databases for relevant studies that report data on the incidence of RABV in Africa up to February 17, 2020. Information on active and past RABV exposures in various categories of dogs, humans and other animal species were extracted. Incidence and seroprevalence estimates were pooled using a random-effect meta-analysis. We included 73 articles which provided 142 RABV incidence and seroprevalence records in 21 African countries. The estimated incidence of RABV in 222 humans, 15,600 dogs, and 12,865 other animal species was 83.4% (95% CI = 64.6–96.5), 44.1% (95% CI = 35.1–53.4), and 41.4% (95% CI = 29.6–53.8), respectively. The estimated seroprevalence of RABV in 420 humans, 3577 dogs, and 8,55 other animal species was 33.8% (95% CI = 21.9–46.8), 19.8% (95% CI = 13.3–27.3), and 3.6% (95% CI = 0.3–9.2), respectively. The incidence of RABV in general was higher in suspected rabid dogs, other animal species of the Orders Perissodactyla, Artiodactyla and Carnivora. The incidence of RABV was higher for humans in regions of West and East Africa, for dogs in urban areas and in regions of Central and South Africa, and for animals of the order Perissodactyla in urban areas. This meta-analysis demonstrated a high incidence of RABV in Africa. Itis necessary to improve surveillance system to provide reliable data on RABV in Africa, essential for the implementation of an effective control strategy.

Alkaloids as potential antivirals. A comprehensive review

“…Rabies lyssavirus, like many other rhabdoviruses, has a diverse host range. Many mammal species have been documented to be infected with RABV in the wild [ 133 ]. Rabies lyssavirus spreads fast through the peripheral nervous system`s neural pathways after entering through the wound.…”

Geographic distribution of laboratory-confirmed cases of rabies in domestic and wild animals based on passive surveillance records in Uganda: 2015-2022

“…Annual expenditure for rabies control and prevention, particularly in Africa and Asia, has been estimated to exceed USD 500 million, with most of these costs attached to the provision of PEP [10]. A recent meta-analysis study about the incidence of rabies virus in humans, dogs, and other animal species in Africa demonstrated a high incidence of RABV circulating [11]. Therefore, it is necessary to improve the surveillance system to provide reliable data on RABV in Africa, which is essential for the implementation of an effective rabies control and elimination strategy.…”

A case of rabies outbreak in a bull-calf from Nigeria

“…The vicious cycle of lack of reliable epidemiological data, the negligence of the decision-makers and populations, lack of public information and sensitisation on the risk of rabies, and geographic and financial hurdles to accessing rabies vaccinations contribute to the persistence of rabies in Africa (Dodet, 2009). Nonetheless, for poor African countries, implementing a countrywide vaccination campaign is a significant challenge, as they frequently fall short of the needed vaccine coverage (Wobessi et al, 2021). Despite the severity of the reported outbreaks and health implications of rabies in Nigeria, control strategies such as mass vaccination and dogs movement restrictions are insufficiently implemented (Ahmad et al, 2017).…”