ABSTRACT
Rabies is acutely fatal encephalitis caused by a neurotropic virus. This virus belongs to the family of Rhabdoviridae and genus of Lyssavirus. The virus is almost always transmitted to human through infected mammalian saliva. Rabies is inoculated to a wound by an infected animal bite. Since infection is established in the CNS, the outcome is almost always fatal. According to the outstanding role of vaccination against rabies in animals, as well as post-exposure treatment regimen in human, production of cell-cultured rabies vaccine is the most common interest of researchers. Two BHK-rabies vaccines, one made in the Pasteur Institute of Iran and two in Schering-Plough Animal Health of Madrid, Spain have been tested on 12 dogs divided into two groups. Sera were taken monthly over 18 months. To evaluate the titer of the rabies-neutralizing antibody, these sera were analyzed by the rapid fluorescence focus inhibition test [RFFIT] in the end of each month. Both study groups showed a sufficient immunogenic response without any significant difference at least one year after vaccination. With respect to the effective immunization of rabies vaccines, their annual injections would be sufficient. According to the results, at the end of the study [18th month] serum titer in only one dog [No.7] was less than protective level. Two animals in group one [No.2 and No. 5] also had serum titers less than protective level. Mean of post vaccination antibody titer were not different in either groups [P=0.35]
ABSTRACT
Rabies is one of the oldest and most lethal zoonoses in the world. Cases have been reported from most provinces of Iran, involving both domestic and wild animals. This study aimed to define the epidemiology of rabies in human and animal populations in the western province of Ilam and was conducted in all of the 7 cities of the province. In this descriptive study we recorded data on the number of the persons bitten by animals, geographical location, age category, occupation and professional relationships, pre-exposure prophylaxis, treatment for rabies, conditions of the injured organs, and the mortality rate. Data were analyzed using the SPSS software package. There were 4 human deaths from rabies in this province [2 men and 2 women]; three of these cases had been bitten by dogs and the remaining one by a cat. The mean age of these people was 25.2 years [SD=15.3y]. A total of 2431 people had been bitten by animals over the preceding 10 years. Most such injuries happened in the 10-29y age group and the frequency was greater for males [P<0.01]. About 64% of all cases had been reported from rural areas, and the greatest number of injuries occurred in winter and spring. The most common sites of injury were hands and feet [88.5%], trunk and the cervical region [9.3%] and head/ face [2.2%]. The increasing number of stray dogs and the movement of dogs and wild animals into cities and villages are important factors in the transmission of rabies. More research needs to be done on the eco-epidemiology of the disease in different cities of Ilam