Construction and development of new rabies virus vectors carrying enhanced green fluorescent protein

Aim: Rabies is one of the most lethal viral diseases. This study developed a recombinant rabies virus, PVEGFP, expressing an EGFP protein based on PV strain to be applied in virus-neutralizing antibody (VNA) titration methods. Methods: The EGFP gene was inserted into the PVMCS strain, a previously discussed recombinant virus. The recombinant virus was applied in the rapid fluorescent focus inhibition test (RFFIT) VNA titration method, and six vaccinated persons were studied for validation. Results: The recombinant rabies strain showed similar propagation properties to its ancestry strain, PVMCS. It could also measure VNA titers in the RFFIT method not significantly different from those acquired using the CVS-11 virus. Conclusion: Utilizing the PVEGFP strain in the RFFIT method can produce rapid, reliable and affordable results.