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Molecular Epidemiology of Rabies Virus in Tehran and Alborz Provinces
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Fatemeh Akhavan Anvari   , Mehdi Fazlalipour , Siamak Mashhady Rafie , Parviz Tajik , Mohammad Moafi |
| Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran |
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Abstract: (11 Views) |
Background: Rabies is one of the most lethal zoonotic diseases, and its continuous transmission cycle in peri-urban areas poses a significant threat to public health. Tehran and Alborz provinces are critical epidemiological hubs due to high population density. This study aimed to trace the introduction pathways and circulation patterns of the rabies virus in these two provinces.
Methods: In this descriptive-analytical study, positive rabies animal brain samples registered at the Pasteur Institute of Iran from Tehran and Alborz (2020–2025) were analyzed. After nucleic acid extraction and sequencing, the phylogenetic position of the samples within regional genetic clusters was determined using molecular epidemiology methods.
Results: All samples were confirmed as wild-type rabies virus strains and exhibited clear genetic differentiation from vaccine strains. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the circulating viruses clustered into three main lineages, showing similarities to indigenous Iranian strains and those reported from transition zones in the Caucasus and Central Asia.
Conclusion: The presence of diverse wild-type strains indicates that Tehran and Alborz serve as major convergence points for active viral transmission. Effective disease control necessitates designating these areas as “sentinel sites,” implementing active surveillance, managing stray dog populations, and conducting targeted vaccination under the “One Health” framework. |
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| Keywords: Molecular Epidemiology, One Health, Public health, Rabies Virus |
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Full-Text [PDF 538 kb]
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Letter: Original Article |
Subject:
Special
Received: 2026/07/8 | Accepted: 2026/07/29 | ePublished ahead of print: 2026/10/4
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