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Author Spotlight: A Cost-Effective Genomic Workflow for Advancing Rabies Control in Resource-Limited Settings
Published on: August 18, 2023
6.8K
Rabies: known and unknown historical aspects.
Konstantinos Laios1, Spyros N Michaleas1, Miltiadis Perdikakis1
1MEDICAL SCHOOL, NATIONAL AND KAPODISTRIAN UNIVERSITY OF ATHENS, ATHENS, GREECE.
Wiadomosci Lekarskie (Warsaw, Poland : 1960)
|December 16, 2025
Summary
Rabies history reveals ancient recognition and evolving treatments. Despite progress in Latin America, challenges like rural transmission and surveillance gaps hinder complete rabies elimination.
Area of Science:
- History of Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Rabies, historically known as hydrophobia or Lyssa, has plagued humanity since antiquity.
- Cultural perceptions and early medical understanding of rabies have evolved significantly over centuries.
- Louis Pasteur's development of the rabies vaccine marked a pivotal advancement in disease control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a comprehensive historical overview of rabies.
- To examine the early recognition and cultural significance of rabies.
- To trace the advancements in rabies treatment from ancient times to the present.
Main Methods:
- A literature review was performed using Scopus and PubMed.
- Data on rabies incidence, transmission, and interventions in Latin America (1950-2025) were analyzed.
- Keywords included 'rabies,' 'hydrophobia,' 'Lyssavirus,' 'history of rabies,' 'rabies vaccine,' and 'Louis Pasteur.'
Main Results:
- Significant progress in reducing rabies cases in Latin America via vaccination and animal control.
- Persistence of rabies in certain areas, particularly rural/remote regions.
- Challenges include bat-mediated transmission and surveillance deficiencies.
Conclusions:
- Widespread vaccination and animal control have reduced rabies in Latin America.
- Rabies elimination requires addressing rural challenges, bat transmission, and surveillance.
- Continued investment in prevention, education, and targeted interventions is essential for regional rabies eradication.
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