II. Pathophysiology
- Most bats are Insectivores and bite only in self defense
- Vampire bats (3 species, esp. Brazil) also bite to drink blood
- Rabid bats, however, may be aggressive and bite without provocation
- Numerous bat species, but most are small (4 g to 30 g)
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Rabies Transmission
- Bites (typically small, often undetectable perforations)
- Scratches
- Infected Saliva in contact with broken skin
III. Findings: BIte Wound
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Insectivore Bat wounds
- Small punctures (difficult to identify)
- Vampire Bat wounds (e.g. Brazil)
- Upper incisors and canine teeth slice skin (instead of puncture) and typically result in bleeding wounds
IV. Labs: Rabies Identification in Bats
- Capturing the bat for testing
- Wear work gloves and protective clothing
- Wait for bat to land on a surface
- Slowly cover the bat with a plastic container
- Slide a covering between surface and container
- Turn container over and tape cover in place
- Punch air holes through container
- If bat is not alive, keep cool, but do not freeze
- Bring the bat to a designated diagnostic lab
V. Management
- See Rabies Prophylaxis
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Rabies Prophylaxis Indications
- Direct human contact with a bat in which the bat cannot be tested for Rabies
- Possible bat inflicted wound
- Bites
- Scratches
- Infected Saliva in contact with broken skin
- Possible bat exposure when bat when in same room with patient
- Unattended sleeping person
- Child, intoxicated patient, cognitively impaired person