Postexposure rabies prophylaxis: when the guidelines are not respected

Fifteen spontaneously reported cases of alleged lack of drug effect of postexposure antirabies prophylaxis using PCEC vaccine were analysed. The most striking finding was that in no case were the WHO guidelines for postexposure treatment of injuries caused by rabid animals respected. Therefore nothing points to insufficient vaccine efficacy. Better information for both the medical profession and the public about the treatment of exposed patients is needed.