Global estimations suggest that around 59,000 deaths occur due to rabies, one-third of which is from India alone. 1 Encephalitis that results from rabies infection contributes to the 100% fatality associated with the disease. 2 Early and complete post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) can prevent rabies. 1 This article discusses the importance of PEP in preventing the disease.
A majority of humans who develop rabies have fatal consequences that can be attributed to the absence of protective antibody at the site of virus replication, the late occurrence of seroconversion, the inability to reach high titer in the body. Therefore, rapid response to infection before the virus invades the brain and the ability of the respective antibody to neutralize the virus is required for prevention of rabies. 2 A prompt response to exposure is the most critical step towards the successful treatment of rabies.…
