Analysis of clinical treatment of dual exposure to rabies virus and HIV in an incident with multi-victims bitten by a dog

Abstract

Objective To analyze the clinical response in cases of multi-victims bitten by a dog in Beijing (one of whom was HIV positive), and to explore the route and prognosis of dual exposure to rabies virus and HIV. Methods Descriptive epidemiological methods were used to analyze the exposed cases, the post-exposure prophylaxis(PEP) of rabies and HIV and the follow-up outcomes. Results After six months-follow up, there was no rabies case was found among those nine victims bitten by the suspected dog. In addition, six HIV-negative victims who had been exposed to HIV via dog saliva were consistently tested to be HIV negative in the follow up period. Conclusions In cases with multi-victims bitten by one dog, except exposure to rabies virus, it is necessary to be alert to the presence of HIV, HBV or HCV infection in sequential victims. Therefore, the risk of the potential spreading of other blood-borne infectious pathogens should be assessed. It is important to initiate PEP as early as possible. Key words: Rabies; HIV; Post-exposure prophylaxis