The history of the outbreak of paralytic rabies in Trinidad transmitted by bats to human beings and the lower animals from 1925

ABSTRACT

In 1925 animals began to die from a disease which was erroneously diagnosed by the veterinary surgeons and the government bacteriologist, Dr. J. L. Pawan, as Botulism or Bulbar Paralysis. In 1929 Dr. J. A. Waterman diagnosed a case of "Acute Ascending Myelitis" and stated that it was probably a new disease. Twelve other cases were discovered during the year, but the diagnosis was changed from Acute Ascending Myelitis to Anterior Poliomyelitis by the senior officers of the department. The government pathologist and bacteriologist confirmed the diagnosis of Anterior Poliomyelitis. In 1931 Dr. Hurst, bacteriologist, Lister Institute discovered Negri bodies in the brain tissue forwarded to him by Dr. K. S. Wise. He suggested that the transmitting agent may be the bat. In 1931 Dr. H. Metivier, Veterinary Surgeon, inoculated a calf, a guinea pig, and a rabbit with the brain tissue of three rabid bats, all of which developed typical symptoms of the disease. To Dr. Metivier must go all the credit for establishing beyond doubt the connection between the bites of bats and the fatal disease, paralytic rabies. In July 1931, Dr. Wise, then Surgeon General, read a paper in which he stated that both diseases were due to the virus of rabies. In September 1931, Negri bodies were demonstrated by Dr. Pawan, Government Bacteriologist, in the brain of a bat with unusual habits. (Summary)