Abstract:
The live modified rabies virus vaccine strain SAG-2 was selected from SAD Berne in a two step process
employing anti-rabies glycoprotein monoclonal antibodies. The first two nucleotides coding for the amino
acid in position 333 of the rabies glycoprotein are mutated. Arginine at position 333, which is associated
with rabies pathogenicity, was substituted first by lysine and then by glutamic acid. The two nucleotide
differences at position 333 in SAG-2 to any of six possible arginine triplets translated into excellent
genetic stability and apathogenicity for adult mice, foxes, cats and dogs. The vaccination of foxes and
dogs by the oral route provided protection against a lethal challenge with rabies virus.
