RABIES Flashcards
Rabies is what kind of pathogen?
Virus
What is the Rabies Virus with 5 strains in the US?
Lyssavirus
How can Rabies be transmitted?
Via saliva of infected animals (most commonly dogs), usually from a bite
-can also be: bats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes (bites from animals other than these are unlikley, ex. rats)
-there can be non-bite exposure
Example: Human to human transmission can occur only with organ transplants (organ infected with rabies virus may be transplanted into healthy person and cause infection)
What is the pathogenesis of Rabies?
-Neurotropic (attacks nervous system) zoonotic (in animals) virus
-Evades immune response/survaillance by sneaking into the nervous system
-After inoculation of virus, it enters the peripheral nerves
-Incubation time is typically 30-90 days
-It will then enter motor and sensory axons causing symptoms
How does a Rabies infection present?
-Asymptomatic phase on average about 30-90 days or less than a year
-PRODROMAL PERIOD: Virus will enter CNS in 2-10 days causing paresthesia (partial paralysis), pain, itching at the site (pathogonomic characteristic signs of rabies), malaise, headache, agitation, anxiety, nausea, vomiting
-Acute Neuro period: fever, hydrophobia, thrashing, confusion, hallucinations, pharyngeal spasms, paralysis, coma, death, agitation, seizure may occur (FURIOUS PHASE rabies) HYDROPHOBIA MOST CHARACTERISTIC SIGN HERE
Slower occurring paralysis that can lead to coma/death would be considered PARALYTIC PHASE rabies
How can you diagnose Rabies?
-Biopsy from the skin on the nape of the neck
-Viral PCR (from CSF, Tissue, Saliva)
-Neutralizing antibody assay
-Rule out other diagnoses
What is the treatment for Rabies?
PREVENTION (pre-exposure prophylaxis if high exposure with vaccine ex. Veterinarians), VACCINATE PETS
Post exposure:
-wound wash and debridement
-leave wounds to heal
-rabies vaccins (5 doses)
-rabies immunoglobulin (can be administered as long as 7 days)
