Rabies: Incurable Biological Threat

Abstract

Rabies is a lethal zoonotic disease that affects all the homeotherms, including humans, and is caused by the Rabies virus of Rhabdoviridae family. Every year, this disease kills about 55,000 individuals globally. The stray dog is a key player in the spread of rabies. The disease is usually transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal. After being exposed to the virus, the virus must travel to the brain before generating symptoms. Delirium, unusual behaviour, hallucinations, hydrophobia and insomnia may occur as the condition advances. Diagnostic tests such as direct fluorescent antibody test (dFAT), direct rapid immunohistochemical test (dRIT), lateral flow assay (LFA), reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), nuclear sequencing, etc. are used in diagnosis of this dreadful disease. The genotype and lineage of the rabies virus can be determined via N gene sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. There is no effective treatment for rabies. Even though a tiny number of people have survived rabies, the disease is usually fatal. Rabies can be completely avoided in people if they receive timely and adequate medical treatment. Vaccinating and sterilising the dogs in our neighbourhoods effectively and humanely limit their population and eliminate rabies in both dogs and humans.