Long-term Memory Response After a Single Intramuscular Rabies Booster Vaccination 10-24 Years After Primary Immunization.

Abstract

BackgroundPublished data regarding long-lasting immunological rabies memory after pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) are scarce. We tested the hypothesis that rabies booster immunization elicits rapid anamnestic responses.MethodsFor this observational study, we included participants who had received PrEP 10–24 years before inclusion. We measured rabies antibody titers before, and on days 3, 7, and 14 after a single intramuscular booster.ResultsAll 28 participants responded adequately regardless of route of administration or 2-dose vs 3-dose PrEP regimen.ConclusionRabies immunological memory is reactivated within 7 days after a single intramuscular booster immunization, even when administered 10–24 years after PrEP.