[Nightmare or wonder : a bat on the ceiling].

Abstract

Rabies is an invariably fatal zoonosis in humans caused by a neurotropic virus of Lyssavirus genus. Three genotypes are endemic in Europe. Genotype 1 or RABV (Rabies lyssavirus) is the agent of classical rabies, for which dogs and certain wild carnivores serve as reservoirs; genotypes 5 and 6, respectively EBLV-1 and EBLV-2 (European bat lyssavirus type 1 and 2), have bats as reservoirs. In Switzerland, classical rabies (RABV) has been eradicated since 1999, a status shared by the majority of European Union countries. Cases of human rabies encephalitis transmitted by bats in Europe are associated with EBLV-1 and EBLV-2 but are exceptional. This article aims to present the epidemiology, pathogenesis and prevention of rabies in Switzerland.