What is an acceptable delay in rabies immune globulin administration when vaccine alone had been given previously?

Abstract

Rabies immune globulins (RIG) are not always available. Rabies-exposed patients often present to medical centers, particularly in canine rabies infested regions, after a vaccine series has been started without immune globulin administration. It is known that rabies immune globulin can result in suppression of the neutralizing antibody response which usually yields detectable antibodies by day 7. We have shown that it can be administered with a delay of up to 5 days after the start of vaccine treatment without significant antibody suppression within the first month. This study utilized the WHO approved multisite Thai Red Cross intradermal postexposure regimen. Effective use of rabies immune globulin in severe and multiple wounds, particularly in small children, may require dilution of the RIG in normal saline to provide a volume adequate for infiltration of all wounds.