Serological response following anti-rabies immunization in a representative canine population in Sri Lanka

The serological response following anti-rabies immunization in a representative canine population in Sri Lanka. Another section on dog ecology and assessment of knowledge on rabies was added to extend the study for a PhD. This was a more detailed and comparative study compared to project I in the same line involving stray and domestic canines conducted by a junior veterinarian for her PG studies. Both studies revealed that puppies of vaccinated dams do not have antibodies against rabies at the time of first vaccination and one vaccination would not maintain antibody titres until the annual booster. Therefore, a booster was recommended at a suitable interval after the first anti-rabies vaccination. Even for juveniles and adult dogs, annual revaccination was recommended in order to maintain a protective level of antibodies against rabies in this endemic country based on the findings of the two studies.

Both projects were funded by the National Science Foundation.

The findings of the above-mentioned two projects were used by the veterinary authorities to revise the canine anti-rabies vaccination schedule in Sri Lanka in 2013. Our efforts were recognized by awarding a National Science & Technology Award (NASTA) for team efforts in the application of Science and technology by the National Science Foundation under the Ministry of S & T in 2014.

Name of the Researchers

1. Dr Mangala Guantilake
2. Dr Ruwini Pimburage
3. Dr A Balasuriya
4. Ms K.A.D.N. Perera

Related Publications

1. Sero-prevalence of virus-neutralizing antibodies for rabies in different groups of dogs following vaccination R.M.S. Pimburage, M. Gunatilake, O. Wimalaratne, A. Balasuriya, and K.A.D.N. Perera BMC Vet Res 2017, 13: 133. doi:  10.1186/s12917-017-1038-z
2. A cross-sectional survey on dog ecology and dog anti-rabies vaccination coverage in selected areas in Sri Lanka R.M.S. Pimburage, P.A.L. Harischandra, M.Gunatilake, D.N. Jayasinghe, A.Balasuriya, R.M.S.K. Amunugama Sri Lanka Veterinary Journal 2017 Vol. 64(1):  1-9

Communications

1. An evaluation of canine anti-rabies immunization coverage and knowledge of people on rabies in Sri Lanka PAL Harischandra, RMS Pimburage, RMS Amunugama, DN Jayasinghe, M Gunatilake, A Balasuriya Proceedings of the 66^th Annual Convention of the Sri Lanka Veterinary Association 2014, p. 12
2. Comparison of immunogenicity to anti-rabies vaccine in dogs of different age groups Pimburage RMS, Gunatilake.M, Wimalaratne. O, Balasuriya A, Perera K.A.D.N. Proceedings of the 3rd Rabies in Asia Conference held in Bangkok, Thailand, 2013; p.46.
3. Pattern of immunogenicity in a representative group of canines following anti-rabies immunization Mangala Gunatilake, Ruvini Pimburage, Omala Wimalaratne, Aindralal Balasuriya, Devika Perera Proceedings of the 37^7h International Union of Physiological Sciences Congress held in Birmingham, UK in 2013; PCA293 (Electronic publication only).
4. Comparison of antibody titres in unvaccinated and previously vaccinated adult stray/free-roaming canines following anti-rabies immunization by Rapid Fluorescent Focus Inhibition Test (RFFIT)-A Preliminary report Pimburage R.M.S, Gunatilake M, Wimalaratne O, Balasuriya A, Perera K A D N Proceedings of the 15^th International Conference on Infectious Diseases held in Bangkok, Thailand, 2012; 57.026.
5. Determination of immunogenicity to anti-rabies vaccine in puppies of vaccinated and unvaccinated bitches by Rapid Florescent Focus Inhibition Test (RFFIT) Pimburage R M S, Gunatilake.M, Wimalaratne. O, Balasuriya. A Perera K.A.D.N Proceedings of the MRI Research Day 2012 Scientific Sessions, held in Colombo, Sri Lanka, 2012; PP-8, p.38.
6. Determination of Antibody titres in adult stray/free-roaming and domestic canines against anti-rabies immunization by RFFIT – A preliminary report Pimburage R.M.S, Gunatilake.M, Wimalaratne. O, Balasuriya. A, Perera K.A.D.N.Proceedings of the 3rd Rabies in Asia Conference held in Colombo, Sri Lanka, 2011; p.74.