RABIES VIRUS: CURRENT UNDERSTANDING OF TRANSMISSION, PATHOPHYSIOLOGY, AND PROPHYLAXIS

Abstract

Rabies is a mortal viral condition of global community health importance, characterized by nearly 100% case fatality once clinical symptoms appear. Due to the virus a neurotropic, negative-strand RNA virus of the Lyssavirus within the family Rhabdoviridae, rabies affects a wide range of vertebrates and is spread by the bite of infected animals. Pet dogs remains responsible for human rabies deaths worldwide, particularly in developing regions, while wildlife reservoirs such as bats, foxes, raccoons, and other carnivores play a significant role in virus maintenance and spillover. This review comprehensively examines the etiology, structure, host reservoirs, modes of transmission, viral life cycle, and pathogenesis of rabies, with emphasis on neuroinvasion and immune evasion mechanisms. Clinical manifestations, including furious and paralytic forms, diagnostic challenges, and laboratory confirmation methods are discussed in detail. Furthermore, the review highlights current preventive strategies, vaccination programs, monoclonal antibody therapies, and wildlife control measures. Historical and modern vaccination approaches, alongside cultural and traditional practices, are critically evaluated. Despite being preventable, rabies continues to cause significant mortality due to gaps in awareness, access to vaccines, and timely medical intervention. Strengthening surveillance, mass vaccination of animal reservoirs, public education, and continued research into novel therapeutic strategies are essential to control rabies worldwide.