Antigenic variants among street rabies virus isolates from France, Africa, Madagascar and Asia. Preliminary results with antinucleocapsid monoclonal antibodies

A panel of monoclonal antibodies directed against the nucleocapsid antigens of rabies virus allowed a rapid characterization of isolates by an indirect immunofluorescence test on brain smears of infected animals. Analysis of 77 isolates (71 from animals and 6 from humans) showed a great diversity. Isolates from different areas showed different patterns of reactivity. No relation was found between animal species and antigenic patterns specificity.