rhabdoviridae

• What is the family classification of the rabies virus?

  Family Rhabdoviridae
• What is the shape of the rabies virus?

  Bullet-shaped
• What type of RNA does the rabies virus contain?

  Negative-sense ssRNA
• How long is the rabies virus genome?

  ~11–12 kb
• How many proteins does the rabies virus genome encode?

  Five proteins
• What is the prototype species of the rabies virus?

  Lyssavirus rabies
• What is the size of rabies virus virions?

  ~75 nm wide × 150–180 nm long
• What covers the surface of rabies virus virions?

  Trimers of glycoprotein G
• What links the nucleocapsid to the envelope in rabies virus?

  Matrix (M) protein
• What disease does rabies cause in humans?

  Fatal encephalitis
• What are the clinical forms of rabies?

  Furious and paralytic rabies
• What is the mortality rate of rabies once neurologic symptoms appear?

  ~100%
• Where is rabies globally distributed?

  Asia and Africa
• What animal is responsible for the majority of rabies deaths?

  Dogs
• What are common reservoirs/vectors for rabies in the Americas?

  Bats, raccoons, skunks, foxes
• How is rabies commonly transmitted to humans?

  Bite or scratch from infected mammal
• What is the gold standard for postmortem rabies diagnosis?

  Direct Fluorescent Antibody (DFA) test
• What specimens are recommended for antemortem rabies diagnosis?

  Nuchal skin biopsy and saliva
• What is the sensitivity of real-time RT-PCR for rabies diagnosis?

  Highly sensitive
• What is the sensitivity of antigen detection on nuchal biopsy?

  50–70%
• When do IgM/neutralizing antibodies typically appear?

  After >7 days
• Do negative antemortem tests rule out rabies?

  No, they do not
• What is the first step in post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for rabies?

  Immediate thorough wound cleansing
• What is the role of human rabies immunoglobulin (HRIG) in PEP?

  Passive immunization around wounds
• How many doses are in the CDC/ACIP rabies vaccination regimen?

  Four doses
• What is the recommended schedule for rabies vaccination doses?

  Days 0, 3, 7, 14
• What should be given if a patient was pre-immunized against rabies?

  Only a booster dose
• What is the purpose of pre-exposure prophylaxis for rabies?

  Protect high-risk groups
• What is the new advance in rabies vaccination regimens endorsed by WHO?

  Intradermal vaccine regimens
• What is the status of treatment after rabies symptoms appear?

  No effective treatment exists
• What is the goal of the WHO regarding rabies by 2030?

  Eliminate dog-mediated rabies
• What should be done to control rabies transmission?

  Vaccinate dogs and domestic animals
• What precautions should health-care workers take for suspected rabies cases?

  Use PPE when handling saliva/CSF
• What should be ensured for suspected rabid bodies?

  Safe burial to avoid contact
• What are the clinical forms and symptoms of rabies?

  • Furious (encephalitic) rabies: hydrophobia, agitation
  • Paralytic (“dumb”) rabies: weakness, paralysis
• What are the laboratory diagnosis methods for rabies?

  • Postmortem: Direct Fluorescent Antibody (DFA) test
  • Antemortem: Nuchal skin biopsy, saliva, serum/CSF
  • Real-time RT-PCR and antigen detection
• What are the steps in post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for rabies?

  1. Immediate thorough wound cleansing
  2. Passive immunization with HRIG
  3. Active vaccination series
• What are the key points in rabies prevention and control?

  • Vaccinate companion animals
  • Avoid unvaccinated animal exposures
  • Timely PEP after exposure
  • Standard precautions in health-care settings