Human rabies: epidemiological and laboratory studies in 80 cases

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Epidemiology
• Virology

Background:

• Human rabies remains a significant public health concern, particularly in regions with high dog populations.
• Understanding transmission dynamics and risk factors is crucial for effective prevention and control strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the epidemiological characteristics of human rabies cases.
• To identify the primary vectors and assess the role of vaccination in disease incidence.
• To evaluate laboratory diagnostic methods for rabies.

Main Methods:

• Epidemiological data collection from 80 clinically diagnosed human rabies cases.
• Analysis of demographic factors, geographical distribution, and transmission sources (dog bites).
• Assessment of patient vaccination history and laboratory confirmation using fluorescent antibody technique (FAT) on corneal and saliva smears, and virus isolation from saliva and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

Main Results:

• Rabies incidence was higher in adult males (55%) and boys (37.5%) compared to females, and more prevalent in rural (76.2%) than urban (23.8%) areas.
• Dogs were the predominant source of transmission (92.5%).
• Laboratory tests showed positivity in 3.8% of corneal smears and 2.5% of saliva smears via FAT. Rabies virus was isolated from 3.8% of saliva and 3% of CSF samples. Antibody titres in fully vaccinated patients ranged from 1:64 to 1:128.

Conclusions:

• The study highlights the significant role of dogs in rabies transmission and the higher incidence in males and rural populations.
• Incomplete or complete vaccination did not fully prevent rabies in all cases, indicating potential issues with vaccine efficacy or administration.
• Laboratory techniques like FAT and virus isolation are valuable for confirming rabies diagnoses.