Examining Immunisation as the Main Line of Defence Against Rabies

Examining Immunisation as the Main Line of Defence Against Rabies

Humans or mammals, and rabies is a fatal viral disease that infects them. It is brought on by the rabies virus, which is mainly spread by animal bites and the saliva of infected animals. When rabies signs appear in a person, the illness is almost invariably fatal. Given its seriousness, rabies prevention and control have been the focus of in-depth study and global public health initiatives. The best way to prevent rabies is by pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). This article dives into the relevance of vaccination as the main line of defence against rabies, looking at its administration, processes, history, and effects on the world at large.

Knowing about rabies:

The rabies virus, a member of the Lyssavirus genus, is the virus that causes the disease known as rabies. The virus mainly infects animals, such as people, dogs, bats, and raccoons. Animal bites, scratches, or open wounds are the most common ways in which it is spread through the saliva of infected animals. After the virus has entered the body, it moves from the CNS to peripheral nerves before causing lethal encephalitis.

Fever, headaches, weakness, and tingling at the location of the bite are some of the clinical indications of rabies in people. Symptoms worsen as the illness advances, including agitation, hallucinations, hydrophobia (a dread of water), and paralysis. Without treatment, rabies always ends in death.

Historical Summary:

Since humans have known about rabies for thousands of years, old writings and folklore have mirrored the disease's reputation as terrifying. The word "rabies" is a derivative of the Latin verb "rabere," which meaning "to rave." Rabies has frequently been misinterpreted throughout history and connected to superstitions. The first rabies vaccine, created by Louis Pasteur in the late 19th century, was a turning point in the fight against rabies.

Prevention of Exposure (PrEP):

Pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP, entails giving the rabies vaccine to those who are at risk of coming into contact with the virus, such as veterinarians, people who interact with animals, people who travel to countries where rabies is endemic, and people who work in laboratories with rabies-related materials. PrEP's main objective is to prime the immune system for an immediate and effective response to effectively if exposed to the virus.

Immunisation against rabies mechanisms:

Whether done through PrEP or PEP, immunisation against rabies is based on the concepts of adaptive immunity. When the rabies vaccination is administered, it either contains weakened live virus (in the case of the vaccine generated from the Pitman-Moore strain) or inactivated virus particles (in the case of the human diploid cell rabies vaccine). Although these viral components cannot really cause the disease, the immune system nevertheless recognises them as outside invaders.

In response, the immune system creates antibodies that are specific to the rabies virus. These antibodies are present in the bloodstream and are prepared to stop the virus if it arises. Memory cells are also produced, enabling a quick and effective immune response in the event of subsequent virus exposure.

Impact of Rabies Immunisation on the World:

The global impact of rabies vaccination on rabies prevention and control is significant. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), vaccination campaigns stop tens of thousands of human rabies fatalities each year.

Mass dog vaccination initiatives have proven to be quite efficient in preventing the spread of the virus to humans in areas where rabies is endemic. The reservoir of rabies in animals is decreased and, as a result, the danger of transmission to people is decreased by immunising a sizable fraction of the dog population. Large-scale dog vaccination programmes have helped countries like India significantly reduce the incidence of rabies.

Various Obstacles and Future Directions:

Despite the benefits of rabies vaccination, the global campaign to eradicate rabies still faces a number of obstacles. These difficulties include:

a. Limited availability of rabies vaccines and healthcare services can be found in many situations with minimal resources. There are continuing efforts to increase access and enhance the healthcare system in these areas.

Lack of knowledge regarding rabies prevention and the availability of vaccines is another issue in some communities. Campaigns for public education are crucial to addressing this issue.

c. Animal vaccination: It might be logistically difficult, especially in distant regions, to achieve high coverage in dog vaccination programmes. Reaching all at-risk populations will require ongoing work and resources.

Monitoring and reporting: Prompt reporting of animal bites and rabies cases is essential for the successful control of rabies. To track cases and act quickly when necessary, surveillance mechanisms need to be improved.

a. Research and development: To create rabies vaccines and treatments that are more affordable and widely available, ongoing research is necessary. Innovative strategies are being investigated, such as oral vaccinations for wildlife.