Rabies: Rare Human Infection - Common Questions. Infect Dis Clin North Am 2015 Dec;29(4):637-50
Date
09/20/2015Pubmed ID
26384549DOI
10.1016/j.idc.2015.07.006Scopus ID
2-s2.0-84947862988 8 CitationsAbstract
Rabies is an acute, rapidly progressive encephalitis that is almost always fatal. Prophylaxis is highly effective but economics limits disease control. The mechanism of death from rabies is unclear. It is poorly cytopathic and poorly inflammatory. Rabies behaves like an acquired metabolic disorder. There may be a continuum of disease severity. History of animal bite is rare. The diagnosis is often missed. Intermittent encephalopathy, dysphagia, hydrophobia and aerophobia, and focal paresthesias or myoclonic jerks suggest rabies. Laboratory diagnosis is cumbersome but sensitive. Treatment is controversial but survivors are increasingly reported, with good outcomes in 4 of 8 survivors.
Author List
Willoughby RE JrAuthor
Rodney E. Willoughby MD Professor in the Pediatrics department at Medical College of WisconsinMESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
AnimalsBites and Stings
Humans
Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis
Rabies
Rabies Vaccines
Rabies virus
Rare Diseases
