Abstract:
Lagos bat virus (LBV), one of the 17 accepted viral species of the Lyssavirus genus, was
the first rabies-related virus described in 1956. This virus is endemic to the African continent and
is rarely encountered. There are currently four lineages, although the observed genetic diversity
exceeds existing lyssavirus species demarcation criteria. Several exposures to rabid bats infected
with LBV have been reported; however, no known human cases have been reported to date. This
review provides the history of LBV and summarizes previous knowledge as well as new detections.
Genetic diversity, pathogenesis and prevention are re-evaluated and discussed.
