RESUMO
Background and aims: Rabies is a viral disease which occurs commonly through the bite of a rabid animal. Anti rabies vaccination is an important prophylaxis after having contact with the disease agent. The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-rabies anti-body titer among individuals who have had received 3-5 times anti-rabies vaccine
Methods: In this descriptive-analytical study, according to the data collected from Shahrekord health centers, the blood serums of 63 individual's encountered animal bites within 4 years were collected and their anti-rabies antibody titer was tested using Rapid Fluorescent Focus Inhibition Test [RFFIT]. The anti-rabies titer more than 0.5 ul/ml was considered as protected against rabies. Data were analyzed using Spearman and the dependant t-test
Results: In this study, 30 individuals were vaccinated 3 times and other 33 individuals were vaccinated 5 times. In all cases, 5 individuals received rabies vaccine together with Human Rabies Immune Globulin [HRIG]. The mean time since last vaccination was 23.3+/-9.6 months [range, 5-38 months] and the mean antibody titer against rabies was 2.5+/-1.9 IU/ml [range, 0.4- 14 IU/ml] only 3 individuals [4.8%] had the anti rabies titer less than recommended titer [0.5 IU/ml]. There was no significant relationship between the numbers of vaccinations, individual's gender, mean time since last vaccination and the age of the individuals with antibody titer against rabies [P>0.05]
Conclusion: In the case of encountering to suspected human rabies, it is better to check their serum anti-rabies antibody titer. If their anti body value is below than the global standard, they should receive a secondary doze of anti-rabies vaccination
RESUMO
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]
RESUMO
Rabies has been reported in all provinces and cities of Iran, although there has been no molecular study regarding different groups and subgroups of rabies virus by phosphoprotein gene. In this study, firstly, 48 and then 85 recent rabies isolates recovered from cases reported throughout Iran identified the evolutionary origins by molecular method of phosphoprotein gene region. All the suspected samples from all over the country has been tested by IF method, then all the positive cases have undergone grouping and sub-grouping by molecular tests of phosphoprotein gene. Three groups [I, II, III] and subgroups have been shown in different parts of country by phylogenetic analysis. Khorassan province has the highest rate of diversity of groups and subgroups [all the 3 groups have been identified in this province], which might be the origin of infection in neighboring provinces and all over the country respectively. In this study, the results of different samples obtained from cities and provinces [which could be the complement of Canadian results] confirmed the emergence of 3 different groups of rabies virus. In addition, the widely dispersion of mentioned groups and sub-groups in all provinces could be shown