Rabies Flashcards
1
Q
Biological systems affected
A
Nervous system
Respiratory system
2
Q
Pathogen
A
Rhabdovirus (lyssavirus)
3
Q
Other key notes
A
Can infect humans
Clinical signs depend on immune status, virus dose and location of bite
Virus replicates in muscles before entering nervous system
Once in nervous, prognosis is death
4
Q
Prevention
A
Vaccination
5
Q
Route of transmission
A
Direct contact with saliva from bite wounds
Incubation between 1-6 months
6
Q
Key physical symptoms
A
Furious: Hyperexcitability with periods of calm Pica Aggression at unseen objects Ataxia Progressive facial paralysis Drooling Dysphagia Frothy saliva and convulsions
Dumb:
Timid
Affectionate
Generalised paresis leading to paralysis and ataxia
Respiratory muscles become paralysed
Lesions present in brain in diagnosis after death
7
Q
Possible treament options
A
Euthanasia
DEFRA must be alerted
