Advances in Rabies Research

Rabies is known to humans since long time. Rabies is a viral disease that induces neuro-encephalitis and produces 59,000 casualties globally on an annual basis. Once the viral pathogen produces neurological symptoms, the disease is almost 100% fatal. Despite of this risky condition, the disease is preventable through timely administration of post-exposure preventive measures (PEP) and/or pre-exposure prophylactic measures (PrEP). About 15 million heads receive PEP annually throughout the world. This chapter provides updated information on advances in rabies research from its epidemiology, transmission, immunopathology, clinical disease, patient management, and prophylaxis measures. This chapter will also discuss the technical framework for rabies control through advanced strategies of vaccination, surveillance, laboratory diagnosis, animal movement monitoring, and research. Internationally, the WHO and OIE are committed to formulating a comprehensive methodology for the control of rabies of human and animal origin by the year 2030. Conclusively, this chapter will widely focus on those aspects for rabies elimination globally.