Antibody response to human diploid cell antirabies vaccine in human volunteers--a preliminary study

HDCS was given to 12 healthy volunteers in three different schedules. The levels of neutralising antibodies were determined by ELISA test. The antibodies could be detected on day 7 after vaccination. With 3 doses (D-0, D-15, D-30) satisfactory high level of neutralising antibodies could be detected in 3 out of 4 volunteers till 2 years. With 2 doses (D-0, D-15) similar levels could be observed only till day 270, and with single dose significant levels could be seen till day 30 only after which levels declined and no antibodies could be detected on day 270. Reactogenicity of the vaccine was nil as no major or minor side-effects were observed in any of the volunteer.