Free Essay

Rabies

In:

Submitted By mfanous
Words 883
Pages 4
Rabies – A zoonotic disease Rabies is a zoonotic disease, meaning it is transmitted to humans from animals. The rabies virus is a member of the Rhabdovirus family and it is caused by the virus Neurotropic Lyssavirus (Woodroffe, Ginsberg & Macdonald, 1997). It leads to an acute, central nervous system infection, which is characterized by CNS irritation, followed by paralysis and death (Woodroffe, Ginsberg & Macdonald, 1997). It occurs in more than 150 countries and territories and dogs are the source of 99% of human rabies deaths. The natural reservoir for the rabies virus is in the wild animal that bites a human. Animal reservoirs include semi-wild dogs, skunks, raccoons, fox, bats and mongoose (Woodroffe, Ginsberg & Macdonald, 1997). Essentially, the frequency of contacts between susceptible and infectious individuals is the rate-determining step in the spread of the disease but it is extremely difficult to measure in the wild (White, Harris and Smith, 1995). There is an increase in rabies in late summer and early fall in red foxes. This increase in rabies corresponds to time of dispersal and reproductive maturation in juvenile males (Johnston and Beauregard, 1969). A limited natural human immune response to rabies does exist. A reason for a failure to protect in humans is the poor immunological response that the virus provokes. The natural killer (NK) cell activity was assessed in patients with rabies. There was no significant difference in number of killer cells between rabies patients and normal controls. Results showed that NK cells of rabies patients were not fully stimulated and that might contribute to the virulence of rabies (Panpanich, Hemachuda, Piyasirishilp, Manatsathit, Wilde, and Phanuphak, 1992).

The behavioural symptoms of rabies are classic, however, a diagnosis that is only based on the symptoms is difficult because the symptoms are similar to other diseases, conditions and complications. The only way to be confirmed if an animal is rabid is to perform a direct fluorescent antibody test (dIFA) on the brain tissue (Smith, 1996). The dIFA test is rapid, sensitive, specific, easy to perform and relatively inexpensive. Epidemiological studies have studied precise identification of a rabies virus variant through this method of diagnosis (Smith, 1996). The duration of a relapse potential of rabies is zero (Smith, 1996). Since rabies is not curable, it can only be prevented, which implies that the disease is always present once attained. There is no treatment for rabies, however there are methods of prevention before and after exposure to virus. There is a rabies vaccine regimen that provides protection against rabies. The vaccine works in two ways: Essential components of rabies postexposure prophylaxis are immediate thorough cleansing of all wounds with soap and water and administration of anti-rabies immune globulin and vaccine (Dean, Baear and Thompson, 1963). Globulin from hyperimmunized human plasma donors is given. Preexposure immunization is given to high-risk groups such as those who work in rabies labs (Dean, Baear and Thompson, 1963). The only means of eliminating the vector is by eliminating rabies in dogs through vaccination. Vaccination of animals, most importantly, dogs, has reduced the number of human rabies in many countries (MacInnes, Smith, Tinline, Ayers, Bachmann, Ball, Calder, Crosgrey, Fielding, Hauschildt, Honig, Johnston, Lawson, Nunan, Pedde, Pond, Stewart, and Voigt, 2001).

Rabies vaccine and immunoglobulin is very expensive. A typical vaccination series with the rabies immunoglobulin can cost from $2000 to $7000 + per person (Baer, Abelseth, and Debbie, 1971). According to one study, elimination of canine rabies is epidemiologically and practically feasible through mass vaccination of domestic dogs; domestic dog vaccination provides a cost-effective approach to the prevention and elimination of human rabies deaths (Lembo, Hampson, Kaare, Ernest, Knobel, Kazwala, Haydon, Cleaveland, 2010). There has also been elimination of fox rabies from Belgium using a recombinant vaccinia-rabies vaccine (Brochier, Costy, Pastoret, 1995). As mentioned above, rabies has non-human reservoir, some naturally induced immunity, effective intervention that prevents the disease and documented elimination in various areas. The disease also shows a lot of burden, as there is no cure for it, which makes it a life-threatening disease that will ultimately lead to death. Hence, these factors support the idea that rabies can be eradicated.

Works Cited Dean, J.D., Baear, M.G., and Thompson, R.W. (1963). Studies on the local treatment of rabies-infected wounds. Bull World Health Organization, 28(4), 477-486. MacInnes, D.C., Smith, M.S., Tinline, R.R., Ayers, N.R., Bachmann, P., Ball, G.D., Calder, A.L., Crosgrey, J., Fielding, C., Hauschildt, P., Honig, M.J., Johnston, H.D., Lawson, F.K., Nunan, P.C., Pedde, A.M., Pond, B., Stewart, B.R., and Voigt, R.D. (2001). Elimination of rabies from red foxes in eastern Ontario. Journal of Wildlife Diseases, 37(1), 119-132. Baer, M.G., Abelseth, K.M., and Debbie, G.J. (1971). Oral Vaccination of Foxes Against Rabies. American Journal of Epideiology, 93(6), 487-490. Lembo, T., Hampson, K., Kaare, T.M., Ernest, E., Knobel, D., Kazwala, R.R., Haydon, T.D., Cleaveland, S. (2010). The Feasibility of Canine Rabies Elimination in Africa: Dispelling Doubts with Data. PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases, 4(2), 1-9. Brochier, B., Costy, F., Pastoret, P. (1995). Elimination of fox rabies from Belgium using a recombinant vaccinia-rabies vaccine: an update. Veterinary Microbiology, 46(1-3), 269279.

Similar Documents

Free Essay

Rabies

...1.0 INTRODUCTION Rabies is a virus disease that causes acute inflammation of the brain in humans and other warm-blooded animals. Early symptoms can include fever and tingling at the site of exposure. These symptoms are followed by one or more of the following symptoms: violent movements, uncontrolled excitement, fear of water, an inability to move parts of the body, confusion, and loss of consciousness. Once symptoms appear it nearly always results in death. The time period between contracting the disease and the start of symptoms is usually one to three months; however, this time period can vary from less than one week to more than one year. The time is dependent on the distance the virus must travel to reach the central nervous system. Rabies is caused by lyssaviruses including: rabies virus and Australian bat lyssavirus. Rabies is spread when an infected animal scratches or bites another animal or human. Saliva from an infected animal can also transmit rabies if the saliva comes into contact with the mouth, nose, or eyes. Overall dogs are the most common animal involved. More than 99% of rabies cases in countries where dogs commonly have the disease are caused by dog bites. In the Americas, bat bites are the most common source of rabies infections in humans, and less than 5% of cases are from dogs. Rodents are very rarely infected with rabies. The rabies virus travels to the brain by following the peripheral nerves. The disease can only be diagnosed after the start of...

Words: 3177 - Pages: 13

Premium Essay

Rabies Virus

...Diagnoses Rabies virus is usually diagnosed through DFA or the direct fluorescent antibody test, in animals. For starters, this test detects the presence of any antibodies located in the brain tissue. On the other hand, diagnoses in human can be done through a variety of testing. These types of tests include electron microscopy, and immunochemistry. Through the electron microscopy, a saliva sample is viewed and if positive, one can see the presence of bullet-shaped particles. Moreover, only one rabies particle is required to result in a productive infection (CDC, 2011). In addition to microscopy, immunochemistry is also affective in diagnosing rabies. This method, similar to the DFA test, utilizes specific antibodies to find the presence...

Words: 254 - Pages: 2

Free Essay

Research Paper

...years while others are still being studied with new ones occurring today in the modern world. Along with these diseases it is important to study and understand what causes them, what signs to look for, what species to look for them in, how to treat them, and how to prevent them from happening, IF you can even prevent them. Some diseases and conditions have vaccines to help with prevention and some do not, while some diseases are zoonotic meaning that they can be transmitted from animal to human. While there are hundreds upon hundreds of diseases to be looked at, the ten researched below are the ones once prevalent among the veterinary technicians job in the clinic; Hip Dysplasia and Ethylene Glycol poisoning in dogs, Hyperthyroidism and Rabies in cats, Strangles and Equine Recurrent Uveitits in Horses, Cryptosporidium and Fasciola Hepatica in Ruminants and Swine, Idiopathic Epilepsy in Aviaries, and Lymphoma in Ferrets. Hip Dysplasia in dogs is a congenial condition caused by a femur that does not fit correctly into the pelvic socket, or poorly developed muscles in the pelvic area. The causes of hip dysplasia are considered heritable, but new research conclusively suggests that environment also plays a role. Although to what degree is caused by genetics versus what portion is caused by environmental factors are a topic of debate....

Words: 17767 - Pages: 72

Free Essay

Hello

...Suncoast Animal League Volunteer Application – Youth OFFICE USE ONLY Orientation Date Start Date Thank you for your interest in volunteering at the Suncoast Animal League. Please complete the application below. Please Print. Personal Information: Date First Name Street Address Home # Last Name City Work # Birth (Month/Day/Year) State Cell # Zip Preferred Phone Contact: Email: Employer How did you hear about the League? Home Work Cell Occupation Please indicate the days and times you are available to volunteer: Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ Saturday Sunday Anytime Events only ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ Animals of Interest: Skills you possess: □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ Cats Dogs Others (rabbits, birds, reptiles, etc.) Adoptions □ Fundraising □ Office/Computers Animal Medical Care □ Maintenance/Handy Work □ Photography Behavior Training: Cats □ AC/Heating □ Public Education Behavior Training: Dogs □ Carpentry □ Public Relations Computer Hardware/Software □ Electrical □ Rescue/Disaster Response Events □ Painting □ Therapy Visits Foster Care □ Plumbing OTHER: ___________________________________________________________________________ VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: ( ∗ Indicates parental approval is necessary prior to performing tasks) Adoption Assistant Assist visitors with potential adoptions: escort through adoption areas, answer basic...

Words: 1429 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

The Courage in Front of the Danger

...Unit 3 Project Convolbo Konkiswende Kaplan University Prof: Joanne Ray CM107-04 The courage is a behavior that we express under certain situation. According to me the courage is when somebody risks his life or his interest in order to save or rescue somebody or something in a dangerous situation. The courage does not rely on the strength but only on the mental. It is expressed in a specific situation where we must act immediately with the risk to lose the life or interest. Boukare demonstrated that courage in my village. He defended a child against a rabid dog. It was during the dry season in the month of April; the temperature is very high. That day, like every day we found oneself under a big tree towards midday to talk and take a rest. We liked this place because we had fresh air and it was an occasion to talk about the village’s problems and for children an occasion to play to many games. That day, i point out that there is lot of people. Suddenly, somebody among us shouted ‘a rabid dog’ ‘a rabid dog’. It was panic. I point out too that we not used to see rabid dog in the village and that it was the first time that we had a rabid dog in the village. So during our stampede, a three years old child was stayed under the tree and was crying alone. This is at this time that we saw the rabid dog that wanted to attack the child. Sincerely nobody stopped to rescue the child except “Boukare”. Boukare went back to rescued the child...

Words: 451 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Rabies In The Philippines Essay

...result, a view of countless days of humanity continues to fade slowly for such negligence to existing diseases that continuously decrease the population of other parts of the world. One of the most animal-related challenges that the world faces today is rabies. According to Vitalich (2014), “Rabies, one of the oldest and deadliest diseases known to man such that it is a zoonotic disease caused by a lyssavirus. All warm-blooded animals are susceptible to this virus and it is a common disease in land-living mammals throughout the world. The disease...

Words: 1359 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Prep Vs Pep Rabies

...Benefits For many reasons, the PrEP and PEP rabies vaccinations are very beneficial to both humans and animals. Over the years the rabies virus preventative vaccinations have improved tremendously in just the past 10 years alone. The vaccinations have become safer, having less possible side effects and being less severe than previous rabies preventative vaccines. The PrEP is a very beneficial vaccination to anyone who is planning on traveling to an area where there is a high risk for rabies, as well as anyone who will be exposed to the virus such as people with an occupation that deals with the virus. The PrEP is a intramuscular vaccination for humans and animals but there is also an oral vaccination for wildlife. One study was done of ferret...

Words: 639 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Dunne and Raby: Functional Fictions

...David Lee History of Industrial Design Mara Holt Skov 10/29/13 DUNNE AND RABY Left: Fig 1 – Fiona Raby Right: Fig 2 – Anthony Dunne Anthony Dunne and Fiona Raby are a design team based in London, England since 1994. Additionally they are both professors at the Royal College of Art in the Design Interaction Program. Their practice has focused on a type of design called Critical Design, coined by Dunne in their 2001 book, Hertzian Tales. The focus of their practice is to utilize design to create dialogue and debate within the design world and the public about the broader implications of emerging technologies. Most unusual is their method of not creating anything to be produced. Rather they illustrate their ideas through the creation of photographs, video and artifacts to effect change. Historically, Radical Architecture, particularly Superstudio and Archigram, are inspirations from which they draw their ideas and methods. Both Dunne and Raby were born and raised in England and trained as an industrial designer and as an architect respectively. After working in Japan for a time, they studied Computer Related Design at the RCA and became fellows at the CRD Studio. Within this program they began to explore the interactions between humans and computers. Throughout his education, the influence of architecture (Raby, his time at an architecture firm and his professors) helped Dunne realize that the role of the designer was more than just as a form giver...

Words: 1912 - Pages: 8

Premium Essay

Comparing Alcoholism, Rabies, Poisson And Gas Lighting

...Edgar A. Poe was an American Writer, born in Chelsea, Massachusetts in1809. In his career, Edgar wrote famous stories that will be always remembered, like The Raven, The Tell-Tale Heart, and Annabel Lee and one of the most famous phrase that he said was “I became insane, with long intervals of horrible sanity”. On October 7, 1848 he died and the reason why is still is a mystery. Some of the theories are Alcoholism, Rabies, Poisson and Gas Lighting. Because of the symptoms, proves, and Studies a valid theory of his death could be Gas lighting. To begin with some hints that prove that Gas lighting was the reason of his death is that Gas lighting produces Carbon Monoxide. Carbon monoxide is a toxic gas that could have poisoned him, causing...

Words: 496 - Pages: 2

Free Essay

Gs1140 Unit 2 Research Paper 1

...Zombie Virus or Rabies-Flu Hybrid? Could a highly improbable genetic tweak cause a mutant virus? Hollywood would sure like us to believe it, or else they would lose at the box office. Though humans once dead can’t rise from the grave, it is possible that certain viruses can cause violent aggressive behavior, one such virus is Rabies, which could cause some zombie-like traits. Rabies is a viral disease and it causes the central nervous system to become afflicted with horrible symptoms, causing a human to act like a stark raving mad lunatic. Once infected, humans do not immediately show signs of the disease. Actually, the first signs of rabies, such as confusion, hallucinations, anxiety, and paralysis- could lay dormant in the body and not typically appear for a week up to a year. Once symptoms do appear, if left untreated, could be fatal within a week. Now take the influenza virus’ ability to spread rapidly through the air, and combine it with rabies. Could this combination possibly cause a zombie apocalypse? I think if this were to happen, gun sales would sky rocket. Can you picture it? The caption would read, “Now open, Zombie Season, how many can you get?” Rabies though is no laughing matter. Viruses can exchange pieces of genetic code, but they have to be related. It’s scientifically unheard of when two different viruses like rabies and influenza merge, because they are too different. Viruses don’t mix and match, they interchange only with their own gene family. Nature...

Words: 440 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Edgar Allan Poe's Death Research Paper

...conclude that his death was most likely caused by alcoholism or rabies. Though the possible causes of his death have been narrowed down, the question still remains, what exactly killed him? From reading articles of people’s point of view on the matter, it is clear that he exhibits rabies-like symptoms. While Poe was at the hospital, he exhibts odd behaviors similar to what rabies victim experienced. Poe was experiencing high fever since he was apparently “drenched in sweat”. This symptom doesn’t exactly show that his death was caused by rabies as it’s very common in many diseases/sickness, but the fact that he was hallucinating, and talking to “spectral and imaginary objects on the walls” is what led me to believe he died from rabies. Rabies is a virus that infects the brain and causes the brain to swell up, which may have caused the hallucination that Poe was experiencing before his death. Next, Poe’s memory seems to have been discombobulated. When asked about his personal information, he was unsure and confused specific details. As stated...

Words: 431 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Mccain Bracewell: How Did Edgar Allan Poe Die?

...McCain Bracewell How did Edgar Allan Poe die? On October 7, 1849, Edgar Allan Poe died in a hospital in Baltimore, Maryland. The cause of his death is still being debated by experts. One view is the Poe died from rabies, not alcohol abuse. This view is supported by when he was awake, Poe drank water with great difficulty, and rabies victims show fear of water because it is hard to swallow. Also When he was found he didn’t smell of alcohol. A different view is that Poe died of alcohol abuse, not rabies. This view is supported by that he was found outside a Baltimore saloon, and the person who found him, Joseph Walker, gave accounts of his “alcoholic condition’’, and In 1885, john Moran says Poe and drank the water thirstily, and didn’t...

Words: 338 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Why Did Edgar Allan Poe Died?

...How do you think Poe died? Everyone has a different way they think Poe may have died. Some people might think Poe died of rabies or alcoholism. Everyone has their ideas of how he died. However, Poe died of alcoholism because he always had fevers from being in the cold and not caring to stay warm. He had conjestion in the brain from being in the cold and I think that helped kill him. Many people believed Poe died of rabies however there is not actual evidence that he died from them. There was no evidence showing that an animal had bitten Poe (The New York Times 187). Since there is no sign of animal bites that means no rabies. There had been "lack of evidence of a bite or scratch" (The New York Times 189). Saying there is no evidence saying there is scrtch or bite. "Rabies was well know as to causes and symtoms, including itching and other sensations that...

Words: 466 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Poe, a Man of Mystery

...management of his obligations. In 1836 Poe married his young cousin, Virginia, when she was age 13. He worked for a few magazines earning himself a reputation as a ferocious critic by writing venomous reviews of his peers. In his writing career he became known as the “Father of the Detective story” forever changing the face of the genre. One of his works, “The Raven,” is one of the best known poems in American Literature. His adored Virginia passed away in 1847 and Poe became overwhelmed with grief. He continued to work but suffered from poor health and struggled fiscally. There has been much debate on how Poe’s final days were spent. Some say he drank himself to death while other theories suggest carbon monoxide poisoning, epilepsy and rabies but no one really knows for sure. The story of Poe’s death began when he left Richmond September 27, 1849 and was supposed to be on his way to Philadelphia. He never arrived in Philadelphia. “On October 3, Poe was found in Baltimore in great distress. He was taken to Washington College Hospital where he died on October 7. His last words were "Lord, help my poor soul."” (“Edgar,” 2013,...

Words: 1058 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Psittacosis Research Paper

...it is usually transmitted through a bite. Once a person shows symptoms of rabies, it is usually always fatal. Symptoms may include; fever, headache, vomiting, excessive salivation and hallucinations. There’s no effective treatment for rabies, so it really is fatal. A small number of people have been known to survive rabies. You will have a series of shots to prevent the rabies virus from infecting you. Prevention of rabies can include; Vaccinate dogs and cats against rabies as required by law. Leave stray or unknown dogs and cats alone. Leave wild animals alone. Do not keep wild animals as pets. Make your property unattractive to wild animals. COSHH (Control of substances hazardous to health) COSHH stands for the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations. These Regulations require employers to control exposure to hazardous substances to prevent ill health. Hazardous substances include: • certain chemicals. • bacteria and other microorganisms. • certain dusts; and any other substance which has comparable...

Words: 813 - Pages: 4