Rabies review: immunopathology, clinical aspects and treatment

Abstract

Among the diseases of viral origin, rabies is unique in its distribution and range of victims since it can afflict all warm-blooded animals. The interaction between the virus and the host population has facilitated the survival of the disease.The rabies virus (RV) has not changed in any significant way and has been capable of taking advantage of conditions suited to the continuance of rabies. Infection by RV is invariably lethal in the absence of protective immune response which, however, can contribute to the pathogenesis of rabies. Proinflammatory cytokines might affect, directly or indirectly, the levels of neurotrophins, growth factors, neurotransmitters and neurotoxins in the brain by activating glia, neurons, and vascular and immune cells. Although understanding of the bases for neuronal dysfunction and neuronal death during RV infection has progressed, no fundamental abnormality has been identified so far.

Association between handling stress in the corral and rabies antibody titers in selenium-supplemented cattle

“…Rabies infection, provoked by a virus (genus Lyssavirus, family Rhabdoviridae) and transmitted primarily by Desmodus rotundus bats, results in untreatable and fatal encephalitis in mammals (1)(2)(3).…”

“…The large-scale and regular vaccination of cattle is an efficient low-cost method that prevents and controls rabies infection, minimizing economic losses (1,4,5).…”

Role of nitric oxide in the regulation of immune responses during rabies virus infection in mice

“…Rabies virus (RABV), the causative agent of rabies, is a member of the genus Lyssavirus and family Rhabdoviridae [1][2][3]. It is a major zoonotic disease of worldwide occurrence and only few countries are free of rabies that includes the islands like Australia, New Zealand and Scandinavian countries [1,2].…”

Retrospective analysis of post-exposure to human anti-rabies treatment in Botucatu, São Paulo State, Brazil

“…This type of disease requires expertise from health care professionals who provide treatment to accident victims, thus preventing improper treatment (1). Prevention is effected by means of specific immunobiologic agents, that is, vaccines that consist of pre-exposure treatment for professionals at constant risk for contracting the virus.…”

“…Prevention is effected by means of specific immunobiologic agents, that is, vaccines that consist of pre-exposure treatment for professionals at constant risk for contracting the virus. However, subsequent to exposure, the vaccine is indicated for isolated use or in association with hyperimmune anti-rabies serum, which immediately neutralizes and protects against viral progression to the peripheral nervous system and, concomitantly, the vaccine stimulates the immune system to produce neutralizing antibodies (1,2). Therefore, the importance of strictly following post-exposure treatment protocols is emphasized, since such procedure will prevent not only predisposition to risks stemming from inadequate indication but also the unnecessary use of public resources that may compromise budgets or disfavor quality.…”