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Page No. : 8-14

ABSTRACT

Rabies is a viral zoonotic disease caused by the rabies virus (RABV), belonging to the genus Lyssavirus in the family Rhabdoviridae. Despite being preventable, rabies continues to pose a significant public health challenge in India, contributing to a high number of human and animal fatalities. Molecular characterization of the rabies virus is critical for understanding its epidemiology, viral diversity, and the genetic factors influencing transmission and pathogenicity. This review summarizes the molecular epidemiology of RABV in India, focusing on the molecular diagnostics, phylogenetic analysis, and genetic variability of the virus. Studies on the genomic sequence of RABV isolates from various regions of India have revealed distinct genetic lineages,
providing insights into the local transmission dynamics and animal reservoir involvement. Furthermore, advances in sequencing technologies have facilitated the identification of mutations associated with virulence and antiviral resistance. The review also highlights the role of molecular techniques such as reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), next-generation sequencing (NGS), and whole-genome sequencing (WGS) in the identification and monitoring of RABV strains. Understanding the molecular landscape of rabies virus in India is essential for improving disease surveillance, vaccine development, and control strategies. The review concludes by emphasizing the need for further research on the molecular epidemiology of rabies to reduce its burden in India and globally.

Keywords: Rabies, Genome, Zoonotic Diseases