Lec 11: Rhabdoviruses (& other -ssRNA viruses) Class V Flashcards
The name is derived from
the Greek word rhabdos, which means a rod.
(Rhabdovirus Virion Shape)
Those infecting plants =
Those infecting animals =
plants = rods with rounded ends animals = bullet shaped
Rhabdoviruses host range =
(wide)
mammals, fish, plants and insects
Many rhabdoviruses replicate in the cells of
diverse types of host, especially the so-called ‘plant’ rhabdoviruses, which replicate in their insect vectors AND in their plant hosts
Rhabdovirus we talk about =
RABIES
Rabies Infection normally occurs as a result of…
The rabies infection spreads to…
…virus in saliva gaining access to neurons through damaged skin
…other neurons in the central nervous system, then to cells in the salivary glands, where infectious virus is shed into the saliva
Each year rabies kills
approx =
large numbers of humans, and animal species
= 60K human deaths/year
Most human infections are acquired via
bites from rabid dogs
Rabies Vaccines have been developed to provide
protection to humans, domestic animals (especially dogs) and wild animals.
Vaccination against rabies is used in 2 distinct situations:
- ) to protect those who are at risk of exposure to rabies (ex: pre-exposure vaccination)
- ) to prevent the development of clinical rabies after exposure has occurred, usually following the bite of an animal suspected of having rabies (ex: post-exposure vaccination)
The rabies vaccines used for pre-exposure and post-exposure vaccination are
the same, but the immunization schedule differs.
Rabies immunoglobulin is used only for
post-exposure prophylaxis.
For post exposure, best to get vaccine in
<24 hr
(Rabies) Post-exposure prophylaxis should not be
denied due to a prolonged time interval between exposure and starting treatment
Rabies Incubation period =
well in excess of one year have been reported.
