Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 1, 2026
Author Spotlight: Rabies-Specific Antibody Isotypes Detection in Sera or Cerebral Spinal Fluid Using an IFA Test
Published on: January 19, 2024
Adverse events following rabies post-exposure prophylaxis: a comparative study of two different schedules and two
Tugba Sari1, Necla Tulek1, Cemal Bulut1
1Ankara Training and Research Hospital, Clinic of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Ankara, Turkey.
Objective:
Due to lack of effective treatment for rabies, post-exposure prophylaxis becomes very important. In this study, we investigated side effects developed in patients following administration of rabies post-exposure prophylaxis.
Methods:
A total of 1685 patients were vaccinated. 265 patients (15.7%) administered the Essen regimen with equine rabies immunoglobulin and 1420 patients (84.2%) administered Zagreb regimen. 761 (45.2%) patients were vaccinated with a verocell vaccine; Verorab and 924 patients (54.8%) were vaccinated with Abhayrab.
Results:
All side effects were higher in female patients than those of males. The patients with chronic illness also had significantly, increased side effects; headache (12.4%), pain at site of administration (11.3%), and arthralgia (10.5%) compared to the patients without chronic illness. We grouped the patients in three as; 0-15 years, 15-60 years, and 60 years and above. In the first group; fever (21.2%), vomiting (2.4%) and coughing (2.1%); in the second group (15-60 years), headache (8.8%), arthralgia (6.7%) were significantly increased compared to the other groups. Side effects are significantly higher with schema of 2-1-1 and Abhayrab trade mark vaccine, particularly following the first doses.
Discussion:
Second generation rabies vaccines are safe, effective and cheaper than HDCV. When fatality of rabies disease is considered, occurring side effects can be tolerated.
