Rabies in the course of iranian history

ABSTRACT

On the rabies and a rabid dog, Iranian physicians have said and written much and they have introduced their innovations now and then. Kharazmi in his Mafatih al- Olum [Keys to Sciences, written in 980 A.D.], writes on rabid dog "Amad dog is called a rabid dog which bites, avoids eating and fears water and dies in deep thirst. If such a dog bites a human being, he will be inflicted with a dangerous disease which makes him fear water [Hydrophobia]. Rhazes says "It does not recognize its owner, and attacks whatever on his way. Its mouth is always open with its tong hanging out. Eyes are red and other dogs run from it." [Al- Havi]. Avicenna, Jorjani, Youssef ibn Muhammad Heravi and other grand physicians of Iran have written intresting points about the symptoms, incubation period and treatment of rabies in man and dog, differences between a rabid dog and a biting dog, rabies in wild beasts, and the like. Avicenna wrote in canon" It is said and approved by many physicians that the liver of a rabid dog if is kept on the wound of the bitten person will be helpful". Also he said clearly "The blood of the rabid dog is antitoxin for rabies." This is a kind of serotherapy or vaccination. The liver of a rabid dog contains various antibodies against rabies, and if it is applied to a recent bite wound, some antibodies may enter the wound. Therefore, the procedure might conceivably be effective in preventing rabies. This is a matter of serotherapy and immunology that was introduced more than 900 years ago