Typing of field rabies virus strains in FR Yugoslavia by limited sequence analysis and monoclonal antibodies.

A total of 32 rabies virus isolates (15 of fox, 14 of cat and 3 of dog origin) from the territory of FR Yugoslavia were collected from December 1996 till February 1998 and analyzed by limited sequencing of N gene and by indirect immunofluorescence and a panel of 20 antinucleocapsid monoclonal antibodies (MAbs). All examined strains were characterized as sylvatic fox strains. Two main genetic variants were detected, 15 isolates belonging to Group I, 14 belonging to Group II, while the remaining 3 could not be classified into any group. This classification was confirmed by MAbs. The obtained results indicate at least two independent cycles of rabies transmission, probably resulting from multiple modes of transmission to the territories now belonging to FR Yugoslavia.