Unresolved Issues concerning Inadequate Immune Response after Rabies Post-Exposure Prophylaxis in an Immunocompromised Patient

Rana Shibli

doi:10.23937/2378-3656/1410137

Abstract

We present an immunocompromised patient with inadequate immune response to the rabies post exposure prophylaxis (PEP), and our management strategy after this inadequate response. Currently, evidence based strategy for action after failure of PEP is partial. Since the prevalence of immunocompromised patients is increasing, further studies and guidelines are necessary.

Highlights

Rabies is a fatal viral disease caused by neurotropic viruses in the Rhabdoviridae Family, Genus Lyssavirus
There is no proven therapy for rabies but the infection can be prevented with proper wound care and vaccine post exposure prophylaxis
In this case study we report an inadequate immune response of an immunocompromised patient to the recommended rabies post exposure prophylaxis regimen, as well as presenting the management strategy we performed after this failure of response

Summary

Introduction

Rabies is a fatal viral disease caused by neurotropic viruses in the Rhabdoviridae Family, Genus Lyssavirus. It is mainly transmitted from rabid animals through a bite. There is no proven therapy for rabies but the infection can be prevented with proper wound care and vaccine post exposure prophylaxis. It is assumed that immunocompromising conditions may prevent adequate immune response to the rabies vaccination. In this case study we report an inadequate immune response of an immunocompromised patient to the recommended rabies post exposure prophylaxis regimen, as well as presenting the management strategy we performed after this failure of response

Case Report

Discussion