Important Properties• Rabies is a Rhabdovirus. • Its is a single-stranded RNA enclosed within a bullet-shaped capsid surrounded by lipoprotein envelope.

• Virion contains an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase .

• This virus enters the victim via exposure to the saliva of an infected animal. This virus only affects mammals, which includes humans.

Mode Of Transmission It is transmitted through bite of rabid

animal such as dogs, bats, fox etc.

Exposure to aerosols of secretion or droppings containing rabies virus.

Transmission in transplants of corneas taken from patient who died of undiagnosed rabies.

Pathogenesis

Signs And Symptoms Lack of appetiteHeadacheIrritability Anxiety  Paralysis of the jaw, mouth and throat

musclesExcessive sweatingHydrophobiaIncreased production of salivaDouble Vision  

Laboratory DiagnosisSaliva test – a sample of your saliva is tested

for the presence of the rabies virus.Lumbar puncture – a needle is used to

remove a small sample of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which can be checked for the rabies antibodies.

Blood tests – your blood is checked for the rabies antibodies .

Examination of brain tissue by using either PCR, fluorescent antibody to rabies virus.

Histological staining of Negri bodies in cytoplasm of hippocampal neurons.

Treatment And PreventionPre and post-exposure prophylaxis are available

Post-exposure prophylaxis consists of three elements:

i. cleaning the wound (alcohol,ethanol,iodine)ii. administering rabies immunoglobulin – a special

preparation of antibodies.iii. administering a course of the rabies vaccine

a) Human diploid cell vaccine (HDCV), which is created by using samples of human cells

b) purified chick embryo cell rabies vaccine (PCEC), which is created by using samples of chicken embryos 

c) nerve tissue vaccine, which is created using samples of nerves taken from animal brains

Vaccine Administration