Evolution and prophylaxis of human rabies

Abstract

This article describes the global incidence of rabies (a fatal viral disease mainly transmitted by dogs), and summarizes the history of anti-rabies vaccine development, including safety and efficacy issues. Nowadays, pre- and post-exposure rabies prophylaxis schedules are well established by the simultaneous use of vaccine and hyperimmune serum. This approach is intended to offer enough time for the neutralization and removal of the virus before it penetrates the peripheral nerves, and while the immune response develops.