Rabies

The Rabies (RABV) Virus

CUNY York College, Jamaica, New York - Department of Biology

Abstract

Rabies (RABV) is an RNA virus that predominantly affects carnivore and bats and, to a lesser degree, humans. RABV is a Lyssavirus that encodes five proteins and, upon infection, participates in rapid cell adsorption and replication and is rapidly transmitted through the CNS into the brain, and ultimately salivary glands. The disease is invariably fatal. There are two forms of the rabies virus—furious and dumb—with the latter less aggressive in its symptomatology, and as a result, tends to be underreported. RABV cannot be diagnosed until overt disease symptoms are manifested; however, there are a number of proven effective pre- and post-exposure vaccinations on the market for both animals and humans. Additionally, investigation and development of antiviral vaccinations are underway.

Introduction

Rabies (RABV) is an RNA virus that is present in over 100 countries. While predominantly affecting certain bats and carnivore species, 99% of human infections are a result of dog bites (“Rabies vaccines”,

2010, p. 310). The virus presents a potential threat to over 3.3 billion people; however, in urbanized and industrialized countries the disease has almost been eliminated due to domestic animal vaccinations and other control measures (“Rabies vaccines”, 2010, p. 210). Such steps are positive because, as in animals as well as in humans rabies is fatal once clinical symptoms present. This discussion will examine the virus’s structure, infectious cycle, pathology, and currently-available and future vaccinations to address the disease.

Structure of the Rabies Virus

RABV belongs to the order Mononegavirales which include viruses with “nonsegmented, nega- tive-stranded RNA genomes” (CDC, 2011). This group of viruses is distinguishable by their distinct “bullet shape” and classification in the Rhabdoviridae family that includes three genera of animal virus- es:...