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Rabies viral antigen in extracranial organs: a post-mortem study.
S Jogai1, B D Radotra, A K Banerjee
1Department of Histopathology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India.
Neuropathology and Applied Neurobiology
|August 15, 2002
Summary
Rabies virus spreads centrifugally from the central nervous system to extracranial organs. Detecting rabies viral antigen (RVAg) in these organs aids in ante-mortem diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Virology
- Public Health
Background:
- Rabies is a fatal zoonotic viral disease.
- Histopathology, specifically identifying Negri bodies, is crucial for diagnosis.
- Immunohistochemistry is an adjunct when Negri bodies are absent.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate rabies viral antigen (RVAg) in extracranial organs.
- To confirm the centrifugal spread of the rabies virus.
- To evaluate extracranial tissues for ante-mortem diagnostic potential.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of eleven confirmed human rabies cases.
- Immunohistochemistry to detect RVAg in various extracranial tissues.
- Examination of adrenal glands, heart, gastrointestinal tract, and pancreas.
Main Results:
- Rabies viral antigen (RVAg) was detected in adrenal glands, heart, gastrointestinal tract, and pancreas.
- Findings confirmed the centrifugal spread of the rabies virus from the CNS.
- Extracranial viral antigen presence was consistent across analyzed cases.
Conclusions:
- The rabies virus disseminates to extracranial organs via centrifugal spread.
- Detection of RVAg in extracranial sites supports ante-mortem diagnosis through biopsy.
- Immunohistochemistry on peripheral tissues offers a valuable diagnostic approach.