Neuropathogenesis of Human Rabies

Abstract

Rabies is an acute infection that occurs in the central nervous system caused by a virus from the Rhabdoviridae family and the Lyssavirus genus that can be transmitted by dogs, cats, monkeys, bats, civets, and wolves. The purpose of writing this literature review is to determine the definition, epidemiology, neuropathogenesis and the role of neurotransmitters, clinical features, diagnosis, and management of rabies. The method used in writing this journal is a literature review, using literature searching. Search the library using website-based search tools, namely Google and Google Scholar using the keywords Rabies, Human Rabies, and Neuropathogenesis of Human Rabies. Free full text English and Indonesian publications. The journals selected in this literature review are 12 journals published between 2015-2021. Rabies infection begins with the transfer of viral microorganisms into the bite wound through the saliva of an infected animal. Rabies virus receptors consist of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, Neural cell adhesion molecules (NCAM), and Nerve Growth Factor (NGF). Virus replication occurs in skeletal muscle and spreads via motor or sensory nerves to the spinal cord and brain. The virus binds to the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor via the neuromuscular route. There are 3 neurotransmitters that play a role in the neuropathogenesis of rabies, namely acetylcholine, serotonin, and GABA.

Tracking lethal threat: In-depth review of rabies

“…The rabies virus (RABV) (family Rhabdoviridae, genus Lyssavirus ) is an infectious disease that infects the central nervous system (CNS) of humans and animals ( Farihah et al , 2022 ). This zoonotic illness results in deadly encephalitis in mammals ( Soler-Rangel et al , 2020 ).…”

“…A tingling feeling at the location of the bite within the first few days after a rabies bite is one fairly typical symptom ( Chacko et al , 2017 ). The virus then spreads back into the peripheral nervous system, specifically targeting highly innervated areas (such as salivary glands), before moving from peripheral nerves to the CNS ( Farihah et al , 2022 ). Hypersalivation, which results in tongue foaming in rabies patients, can also lead them to have hydrophobia, which is characterized by severe pharyngeal spasms at the mere sight, taste, or sound of water ( Cárdenas-Canales et al , 2020 ).…”