VIOLIN: Vaccine Investigation and Online Information Network

Pathogen Page

Rabies virus

I. General Information

1. NCBI Taxonomy ID:

2. Disease:

Rabies

3. Introduction

Rabies virus is a member of the Lyssavirus genus. The virus has a bullet-like shape with a length of about 180 nm and a cross-sectional diameter of about 75 nm (Wiki: Rabies).

4. Microbial Pathogenesis

The virus is usually present in the nerves and saliva of a symptomatic rabid animal. The route of infection is usually by a bite. The infected animal is often exceptionally aggressive. Transmission may also occur via an aerosol through mucous membranes. After a typical human infection by bite, the virus enters the peripheral nervous system. It then travels along the nerves towards the central nervous system. Once the virus reaches the brain, it rapidly causes encephalitis. Rabies may also inflame the spinal cord producing myelitis (Wiki: Rabies).

5. Host Ranges and Animal Models

Most animals can be infected by the virus and can transmit the disease to humans. Infected bats, monkeys, raccoons, foxes, skunks, cattle, wolves, dogs or cats provide the greatest risk to humans. Rabies may also spread through exposure to infected domestic farm animals, groundhogs, weasels and other wild carnivores. Rodents (mice, squirrels etc) are seldom infected (Wiki: Rabies).

Loading Pathogen Genes...

Loading Host Genes...

Loading Vaccines...

Loading References...

Table of Contents