Rabies is a deadly viral infection caused by the rabies virus, which belongs to the Lyssavirus genus. It primarily affects mammals, including humans, and is almost invariably fatal once clinical symptoms appear. The virus attacks the central nervous system, leading to brain inflammation and death.
The primary mode of transmission is through the bite of an infected animal, most commonly dogs, bats, raccoons, and foxes. The virus is present in the saliva of infected animals and enters the human body through broken skin or mucous membranes. In rare cases, rabies can also be transmitted through organ transplants from infected donors.
Rabies symptoms can be divided into two stages: prodromal and neurologic. The prodromal stage includes nonspecific symptoms such as fever, headache, and general malaise. As the disease progresses to the neurologic stage, more severe symptoms like agitation, hydrophobia (fear of water), hallucinations, and paralysis may occur. Once these symptoms appear, the disease is almost always fatal.
Diagnosing rabies can be challenging due to its non-specific early symptoms. Laboratory tests such as direct fluorescent antibody testing, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and virus isolation from saliva, serum, or cerebrospinal fluid are used to confirm the diagnosis. Post-mortem diagnosis can be made by detecting viral antigens in brain tissue.
There is no effective treatment once clinical symptoms appear. However, immediate and thorough wound cleaning followed by a series of rabies vaccinations, known as
post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), can prevent the onset of symptoms if administered promptly after exposure. The PEP regimen includes a dose of rabies immunoglobulin and multiple doses of the rabies vaccine over a 14-day period.
Rabies prevention focuses on avoiding exposure to potentially infected animals and ensuring timely administration of PEP after potential exposure. Vaccinating domestic animals, particularly dogs, and implementing wildlife vaccination programs are also crucial. Public education on avoiding contact with wild animals and seeking immediate medical attention after animal bites is essential for rabies control.
Rabies has a significant global impact, particularly in regions such as Asia and Africa, where dog-mediated rabies is more prevalent. It is estimated that rabies causes approximately 59,000 deaths annually, most of which occur in rural areas with limited access to healthcare and rabies vaccines. The economic burden of rabies includes costs related to PEP, loss of livestock, and public health interventions.
Ongoing research aims to improve rabies prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Studies are being conducted to develop more effective vaccines, better diagnostic tools, and potential antiviral therapies. Efforts are also being made to understand the virus's pathogenesis and transmission dynamics to enhance control measures. International organizations such as the
World Health Organization (WHO) and the
Global Alliance for Rabies Control are actively involved in promoting research and implementing rabies control programs worldwide.
